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.
CHAM, Chaum, Jam, v. [tʃɑm, dʒɑm]
1. “To bite, chew; to eat up” (Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.); also jam (Ib.); to chew voraciously (Slk. 1825 Jam.2 s.v. chaum). Also found in Eng. dial. (E.D.D.).Kcb. 1895 S. R. Crockett Men of the Moss-Hags xxxiv.:
Some said that his [a dog's] chaming and chirking of the paper was very ill-done of him.
‡2. “To mash or pound” (Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B., obsol.). Cf. Champ.s.Sc. 1893 N.E.D.:
“To cham sand,” for strewing on wet foors.
