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.
EGG, v. Also †eag; eig; igg, ägg (Jak.). To incite, urge (on). Used also with on, as in Eng., and with up (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl., 1914 Angus Gl., igg; Ork.5 (eig), Cai.7 (eig), Abd.2, m.Lth.1 1945); cf. Eik, v.2 [ɛg, eg Sc.; ɪg Sh.; eig Ork., Cai.]Sc. 1721 Ramsay Poems 251:
Now when nae sep'rate Interest eags to Strife, The antient Nations join'd like Man and Wife.s.Sc. 1858 J. M. Wilson (ed.) Tales of the Borders XIV. 16:
Bishop Laud, and other evil spirits o' a similar stamp, egged up the simple king, to break a' the promises he had made to the people o' Scotland.Ant. 1892 Ballymena Observer (E.D.D.):
He egged up the boys to fight.Lnk. 1895 W. C. Fraser Whaups of Durley viii.:
It'll keep her frae egging up her father to put ye away for impidence.Edb. 1915 T. W. Paterson Auld Saws 57:
But naither smiles nor swears wad rumple Sawny, Or egg his wauchlin feet.