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.
GLAG, n., v. Esp. used of dying persons. Also intensive form glagger, which appears to be the more common. Cf. Glog, v., n. [′glɑg(ər)]
I. n. 1. A gurgling noise; “noise in the throat as if of choking. The noise is not so great as that indicated by glagger” (Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 64, glag; Abd.4 1929, Bnff.2 1946, glagger); “phlegm” (Abd. 1954).Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 64:
He closet's een, ga' a glagger or twa, an' 'twiz a' our wee 'im.
2. A noisy gulp.Kcd. 1892 Stonehaven Jnl. (3 March) 2:
Up gat Willie till's feet an' took a glagger o' porter.
II. v. To make a gurgling or choking noise (Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 64, Bnff.4 1927; Abd. 1954, glagger).Abd. 1824 G. Smith Douglas 78:
The curs'd Glenalvon wou'd hae been o'er cheap To [hae] glaggert out his hindmost in a rape.
