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.
GIB, n.4 Also dim. gibbie. [gɪb]
1. A sprag or wooden prop used to support the coal in a seam while being under-cut (Sc. 1886 J. Barrowman Mining Terms 31; Edb.6, Lnk. 1948). Found in Shr. dial. in form jib.
2. Any piece of wood or veneer shaped to fill up a hole, hollow, crack, etc., a wedge (Abd.27 1954, gibbie).
[Prob. the same word as Eng. gib, a piece of metal or wood used for keeping parts of a machine tight, which is of doubtful etymology.]
