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: 1721, 1773-1880
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GREED, n., v.
I. n. Avarice, covetousness (Sc. 1782 J. Sinclair Ob. Sc. Dial. 119). Orig. Sc. but since mid-19th c. in gen. use in Eng.Sc. 1721 Ramsay Poems (S.T.S.) I. 10:
To braw Tippony bid Adieu, Which we with Greed Bended as fast as she cou'd brew.Edb. 1773 R. Fergusson Poems (1925) 35:
Then dinna gape like gleds wi' greed To sweel hail bickers down.Ayr. 1786 Burns Twa Dogs 143–144:
Are riven out, baith root, an' branch, Some rascal's pridefu' greed to quench.Sc. 1828 Scott F. M. Perth xvii.:
The Duke of Albany is generally hated for his greed and covetousness.
Hence comb. greed-gripped, adj., possessed by greed.Ork. 1880 Dennison Sketch-Bk. 52:
The eldest brither wus a mesterfu' greed-grippid bothy.
II. v. To covet (Abd. 1825 Jam.), to long, be greedy (for). Rare.Sc. 1843 Blackwood's Mag. LIII. 176:
You might the horrent jaws survey, Griesly, and greeding for their prey.
