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.
†DUNS, n. A variant of Eng. dunce. This form is found also in 16th and 17th cent. Eng. Dim. (in humorous usage) ¶dunseke.Sc. a.1714 Jacobite Minstr. (1829) 116:
But let the Duke of Brunswick Sit still upon his bum; He's but a perfect dunseke, If e'er he meant to come.Abd. after 1768 A. Ross Fortunate Shepherd (S.H.S.) ll. 419–20:
Nae duns he was, for he had heart an' sprite, An' in short time turn'd out a lad compleat.
