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.
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.
