Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1952 (SND Vol. III).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
DAUMER, Dammer, Dawmer, Dawmir, v., n. Also daumour (Abd. 1898 J. R. Imray Sandy Todd xi.). [′dɑmər, ′dǫmər]
1. v. To confuse, to stun (Bnff.2 1940); to spellbind. Gen. found in ppl.adj. daumert (Abd.6 1913), dammert (Abd.4 1929), dammertit (Rnf. 1825 Jam.2), dazed, confused; stupid.ne.Sc. 1929 in Abd. Press and Jnl. (18 Sept.) 6/5:
Fae skreich o' day tull lowsin' time their hammers dird an' clang, An' ma daumert heid's as licht as licht can be.Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 37:
A stehn fell on's hehd, and dawmert 'im.Bch. 1832 W. Scott Poems 22:
Witches ride on besoms through the sky, Turn in to bawds, an' dammer a' the ky.Rnf. 1876 D. Gilmour Paisley Weavers 5:
A daumert body, wha cudna be said to hae ony settled belief or guiding principle whatever.s.Sc. 1897 J. C. Snaith Fierceheart 42:
My ain opinion is ye've fair dammered her leddyship.
2. n. “A stunning blow” (Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 37, dawmir).Abd.29 1947:
She fell doon the stair an' gid 'ersel an affa dammer.
