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.
HOBBER-NOB, v., n., adv. Also hober nob; habbernab (Sc. 1825 Jam.). Sc. forms of Eng. hob-nob.
I. v. 1. As in Eng. = to drink together, to fraternise (with), be sociable.Ayr. 1830 Galt Southennan I. xxxii.:
Cornylees . . . chuckled and hobber-nobbed in the most facetious and familiar manner.Sc.(E) 1868 D. M. Ogilvy Willie Wabster 13:
The gowk wud gowl, and goup, and gab, Wud hyke and hick, and habbernab.
¶2. To have (something) in common, to share.Fif. 1845 T. C. Latto Minister's Kail-yard 20:
By this ye'll guess this leading beast Had conscience smaller than its least; That's nane at a'; — some men hae that; Thus brutes an' them hob-nob the faut.
II. n. 1. A drink together, a toast.Abd. 1811 Garland of Bon-Accord (1886) 39:
An' hober-nobs to auld-lang-syne, Fu' merrily go doun.
III. adv. Glass about, drinking in turn to one another.Lth. 1813 G. Bruce Poems 68:
Some hobber-nob, fu' cosh, did souk, In corners, out their glasses.
