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.
GRUMSY, adj., n. Also grumsi (Jak.), and with variant adj. ending grumset (Jak., Sh. 1955). [′grʌmsi (Ork.), ′grɔm(Sh.)].
I. adj. Ill-tempered, grumpy (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928); Ork. 1929 Marw,; Sh. 1955).
II. n. A gruff person (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928)).
[Cf. Sw. dial. grummsa, to speak in an undertone, to grumble.]