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.
†GNAW, n. “A slight, partial thaw” (Abd. 1825 Jam.).
[Prob. an extended use of obs. Eng. gnaw, a gnawing, sc. a breaking up of the frost.]
