Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1960 (SND Vol. V).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
†HINGUM-TRINGUM, adj. Also hingim-tringim.
1. In low spirits; in a weak state of health (Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 77).
2. Worthless and somewhat disreputable, applied both to persons and things (Ib.); barely presentable, just hanging together (Bnff.6 c.1920, hingim-tringim).Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 74:
I widna like t' meet yon lad i' the dark; he hiz as hingum-tringum, hang-dog-like a leuck's iver I saw.
