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: 1787
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†GOS, Goss, n. Contr. forms of Eng. goshawk (earlier also gosshawk).
1. Lit. the bird, Astur gentilis.Ayr. 1787 Burns Brigs of Ayr 67–68:
Two dusky forms dart thro' the midnight air, Swift as the gos drives on the wheeling hare.
2. Fig. "A mean griping person; often, greedy goss" (Lth. 1808 Jam.). Also gossie (Ib.).
