Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
Hide Quotations Hide Etymology
About this entry:
First published 1952 (SND Vol. III).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
CUM, Come, Kum, n.1 [kʌm]
†1. “A bend, curve, or crook” (Lnk. 1825 Jam.2, cum, come). The form come is also found in Eng. (mainly n.) dial. (E.D.D.).
2. “The angle which certain tools, when held in working position, make with the user” (Upp. Deeside 1917 (per Abd.8), cum, kum). Cf. Eng. (Chs.). dial. come, id. (E.D.D.).Ib.:
A shovel, spade, or scythe has too much cum on it if the point is bent too far inward — say, with a scythe, if the angle at the junction of blade and sned is too acute.Abd.2 1942:
A spaad wi' little cum is better for dellin' than sheelin' wi'.
3. “The angle between end of staves and bottom of cask” (Bnff. (Whitehills) c.1927 (per Bnff.9)).
[From Eng. come, v.; cf. similar development of Eng. give, v. and n., and Cum, n.2]
