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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.

DOMALESS, adj. Of persons and animals: weakly, lifeless; dull and stupid (Ork. 1920 J. Firth Reminisc. (1922) 150; 1929 Marw.); also of grain “when it has been so much injured by rain, that the stalk is unable to sustain the weight of the ear” (Ork. 1825 Jam.2). Also †domalus (Ork. 1845 Stat. Acc.2 XV. 96), †domless (Ork. 1866 Edm. Gl.). [′do:məles, + -ɪs]Ork. 1900 E.D.D.:
In common use in the sense of impotent, wanting in natural vigour; it is also used in referring to a temporary or accidental impotence, e.g. the hands might be domaless with cold; or a fowl might be rendered domaless (chilled and powerless).
Ork.1 1928:
It's no possible to get wark oot o sic a domaless crater.

[From Sh. doma, sense-impression, applied to taste or smell, Norw. dial. daam, taste, flavour, O.N. dámr, id., + suff. -less.]

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