Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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About this entry:
First published 1956 (SND Vol. IV).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1882-1949
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GAAN, v. Also ga(w)n. To stare, gaze vacantly or with open mouth (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl., 1914 Angus Gl.; Ork. 1922 J. Firth Reminisc. 151, gan, 1929 Marw., Sh., Ork.5 1953); to peer, look intently (Sh. 1901 T. P. Ollason Mareel 80, gawn), to crane the neck, staring vacantly (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928)); to stare insolently (Ib., Ork.1 1944, gan). [gɑ:n]Sh. 1882 Gentleman's Mag. 361:
"A cat gaanin i' da lift," that is, looking into the sky, foretells wind.Ork. 1908 Old-Lore Misc. I. vi. 223:
Patie steud ganan at 'im a peerie meenit.Sh. 1914 Angus Gl. s.v. air:
Whartu is du staandin gaanin up idda air lek a moniment?Sh. 1949 J. Gray Lowrie 20:
I just turned me hed an' gaand at a pikter apo da waa.
