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.
GIVEN, ppl.adj. 1. In comb. given name, Christian name, the name given at birth or baptism (m.Lth., Bwk., ‡Rxb.4 1954). “Cobbett called this a Scotticism” (Thornton American Gloss., s.v.). Common in U.S.A. Cf. Gie, v.1, B. 5. (3).Fif. 1882 J. Simson Reminiscences 29:
Small boys would not venture to address big boys by these extra “given names” if they were more than ordinarily offensive.Kcb. 1895 Crockett Moss-Hags i.:
Maisie Lennox (for that was her proper given name) was my cousin.
2. In contexts implying exasperation or emphatic statement = mortal, blessed (in their more colloq. senses) (Sh., Cai., Abd., m.Lth., Slk. 1954).Mry. 1927 E. Levack Old Lossiemouth 43:
An' A had tae sit twa given hoors afore A got a train back tae Alves.Cai.9 1946:
“Hev 'ee anyoch watter in thae summer days?” “Na, boy, no a given skint (drop).”
