Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1952 (SND Vol. III). Includes material from the 1976 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
DABBIE, n. “A game of marbles in which the stakes are set in the angle at the foot of a wall” (Kcb.10 1939); “the object of the player was to hit with his marble those of the other players. Provided he caught his marble on the rebound, any removed from the ‘den' became his property. The same game was sometimes played with peeries” (Lnk.3 1939). Played with marbles, the game is known to Ags.2 1939, and with tops to Ayr.4 1928, Kcb.1 1939. Also dabback (Inv. 1947 (per Abd.27)), dobie (Ork. 1930), and dubback (Sc. 1911 S.D.D.). Comb. dabbie-winnie, a form of the game in which the stakes were appropriated by the winner (Fif. 1954). See Win, n.1, 1.
[Cf. Dab, v.1, n.1, I. 2, II. 4 and 5.]
