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: 1847, 1898
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†GLEG HAWK, n.comb. The sparrow-hawk, Accipiter nisus (Rnf. 1885 C. Swainson Brit. Birds 136). Used fig. also of persons to indicate one of a greedy disposition: cf. Gled, n.1, 2. Also contr. to gleg.Bnff. 1847 A. Cumming Tales (1896) 98:
The housewife wis darnin' or cleanin' a mutty, An booin' the hens frae the tod an' the gleg.Sc. 1898 L. B. Walford Leddy Marget x.:
"I ken what sen's ye here!" she muttered, fiercely "Ye greedy glegs! An' I ken wha's sent ye, tae!"
