Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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About this entry:
First published 1952 (SND Vol. III).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1880-1887, 1940
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DESPERATION, n. Sc. usages.
1. A great rage (Abd.2, Abd.4 1940).Bnff.2 1940:
He wiz in sic desperation 'at he wiz naither t' haud nor bin'.Uls. 1880 W. H. Patterson Gl.Ant. & Dwn.:
The master was in desperation.
2. In phr. like desperation, as if desperate.Ayr. 1887 J. Service Dr Duguid 122:
They would come rinnin' for me like desperation.
