Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1934 (SND Vol. I).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
BIENNESS, BEINNESS, BEENNESS, n. Prosperity.Sc. 1825 Jam.2:
Beinness. Snugness in temporal circumstances, moderate wealth.Kcb. 1897 J. Morrison Miss McGraw 7:
On the other side of the burn, stood a substantial farm-steading, whose well-filled stackyard gave a look of beenness and comfort to the place.Dmf. 1891 J. Brown Hist. of Sanquhar 295:
The number of pairs [of blankets] which a daughter received as part of her marriage outfit was . . . a tolerable guide to estimating the “bienness” of her family.
