We use cookies to enhance your experience on our website. By clicking 'continue' or by continuing to use our website, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. You can change your cookie settings in your browser at any time.

Continue
Find out more

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

Hide Quotations Hide Etymology

Abbreviations Cite this entry

About this entry:
First published 1960 (SND Vol. V).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

ILL-VAMD, adj. Also -vaamed, -vaumd. Unpleasant, disagreeable in manner or appearance (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928)), or in taste or smell (Sh. 1958); of evil presence or influence, malignant; perverse (Sh. 1958).Sh. 1897 Shetland News (11 Sept.):
De ill-vaamed wirds wir lang an nebbit, An' wirna dine.
Sh. 1899 J. Spence Folk-Lore 140:
The guidwife would seize a lowin taand, and chase the uncanny visitor out the door, throwing the fire after her, while she exclaimed: “Twee-tee-see-dee, du ill-vaum't trooker!”

[For second element, cf. Norw. dial. vam, ill-luck, O.N. vamm, blemish, harm. ]

15364

snd

Hide Advanced Search

Browse SND:

    Loading...

Share: