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.
†GRABHIM, n. Also grubum. Sc. slang.: 1. A tax-collector; 2. A policeman.1. Ayr. 1826 R. Hetrick Poems 48:
I must confess the tax was paid, But heavy on their hands they laid; I mean your grubums of the law, May Satan heir them ane and a'.2. Edb. 1829 G. Wilson Sc. Laverock 183:
But now dead drunk were trail'd awa, To fill a vacant corner O' grabhim's ha'.
