We use cookies to enhance your experience on our website. By clicking 'continue' or by continuing to use our website, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. You can change your cookie settings in your browser at any time.

Continue
Find out more

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

Hide Quotations Hide Etymology

Abbreviations Cite this entry

About this entry:
First published 1956 (SND Vol. IV).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

†GESS, v. “To go away clandestinely” (Upp. Lnk. 1825 Jam.), to play truant (Edb. 1898 J. Baillie Walter Crighton 284). [gɛs]Edb. 1845 F. W. Bedford Hist. G. Heriot's Hospital (1859) 346:
Besides he is a great daverer, and is aye gessing.

[Phs. a form of Ghaist; cf. Eng. ghost away, to steal away like a ghost.]

12655

snd