Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1941 (SND Vol. II).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
BLYBE, n. and v. [bləib]
1. n.
(1) “A large quantity of any liquid, particularly of ardent spirits” (Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 14; Bnff.2, Abd.22 1935).
(2) “A person addicted to drinking; a toper” (Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 14).
2. v. To drink heavily.Ib.; Abd.19 1935:
He blybit a' day at fusky, an' afore even he wiz blazin'-fou.
Hence blyban, vbl.n., “the act of drinking much” (Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 14).
[Cf. Blibe, n.1, a bubble, Blab, v.2, n.3, and Blib, n.]
