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.
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.
