Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
Hide Quotations Hide Etymology
About this entry:
First published 1956 (SND Vol. IV).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
GAIBIE, n. A Sc. form of Eng. (colloq. and dial.) gaby, a simpleton, a stupid person (Rxb. 1825 Jam., 1923 Watson W.-B., Rxb.5 1953). [′gebi]s.Sc. 1897 E. Hamilton Outlaws ii.:
“Hey, young gaibie,” he cried, “you're no or Cumberland the night, surely?”
Hence gaibie-lippit, “having a projecting under-lip (and hence a stupid expression)” (Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.; Dmf. 1953).