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.
GURM, v., n. Also gorm. [gʊrm]
I. v. 1. tr. To make dirty, to smear or engrain with dirt (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl., 1914 Angus Gl., Sh. 1955). Also refl.: “to besmear oneself and get slimy (by handling raw fish)” (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928)). Ppl.adj. gurmit, gormet, besmeared with dirt, begrimed (Edm., Jak.).
2. intr. “To root in mire or (soft) dirt; to do a piece of dirty work” (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928), Sh. 1955).Ib.:
To gorm in dirt, in rotten taatis, in weet fish, etc.Sh. 1949 J. Gray Lowrie 33:
Hoo lang wid doo hae ta gurm trow wir yard afore doo got a gjopen o' dem.Sh. 1952 J. Hunter Taen wi da Trow 97:
Gurmin troo da toogs an hedder, Curious objecks I did spy.
II. n. Dirt of any kind, such as slime on fish, rheum from the eyes, etc. (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl., 1908 Jak. (1928), Sh. 1955). Hence gurmi(e), adj., dirty (Sh. 1914 Angus Gl.).
[Norw. dial. gurm, gorm, mud, dregs, gyrmen, slimy and soft (of fish); gurma, to make muddy, stir up.]
