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: 1807-1882
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GNASH, n. Sc. usages. [(g)nɑʃ]
†1. A gnashing or snap of teeth. Also fig.Sc. 1807 J. Grahame Poems I. 85:
The scowl and gnash malign Of Superstition, stopping both her ears.Abd. 1882 G. Macdonald Castle Warlock xix.:
A beast in the hills that went biting every living thing . . . appeared . . . made his gnash, and was gone.
2. Biting remarks, caustic or pert talk (Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B., Rxb.4 1954). Cf. Nash.Kcb. 1814 W. Nicholson Tales 125:
Curs'd excisemen gaun their roun's, Wi' saucy gnash.s.Sc. 1847 H. S. Riddell Poems 31:
She . . . trimmed him wi' her hamely gnash Anent his carelessness and cash.
