Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1956 (SND Vol. IV).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1866-1923
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FENDLESS, adj. Also fenless. Shiftless, lacking resource or energy (Sh., Cai., ne.Sc., Kcb., Dmf. 1950); weak; without pith or flavour (Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 45); of material, lacking strength or durability (Abd.27 1950); of corn straw, short, thin, without substance (Bnff.2, Abd.7 1940).Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 45:
He's bit a fenless bodie aifter a'. It's only a gey fenless crapie o' aits that. "De ye like that wine?" "It's a unco fenless kyne o' stuffie."Ork. 1880 Dennison Sketch-Bk. 9:
He's left naethin tae guide the hoose bit twa fendless women.Abd. 1875 W. Alexander My Ain Folk 66:
The peer infant's fen'less an' tir't oot as weel.Bnff. 1920 Banffshire Jnl. (14 Dec.):
Nae fenless scentit mixture fae a mull.Abd. 1923 H. Beaton Benachie 112:
Seen, fin butter cam', it was saft, fenless gear.
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"Fendless adj.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 5 Apr 2026 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/fendless>
