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: 1701-1727
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†GESS, Guess, n. A wooden container of standard size for measuring fruit; the amount thus measured (Sc. 1714 Household Bk. Lady G. Baillie 94). Also attrib. [gɛs]Gsw. 1701 in P. B. McNab Hist. Incorp. Gardeners Gsw. (1903) 30:
Andrew Somervell and Johne Reid are fyned in 3 punds scots each for having made and used gessis not authorised by the trade which gessis were decreed to be broken in peices.Gsw. 1722 Burgh Rec. Gsw. (1909) 153:
To allow them to putt lides and covers upon the fruit guesses.Gsw. 1727 Burgh Rec. Gsw. (1909) 277:
The sale of fruit and onions having been formerly used to be by heaped peck measure was afterwayes appoynted to be by a measure equal with the timber, commonly called guesses.
