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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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

IMSE, v. Also himps (Ork. 1880 Dennison Sketch-Bk. 41).

1. refl. To bestir oneself in order to complete a piece of work, to work with speed.Ork. 1880 Dennison Sketch-Bk. 39:
The g'aists o' the deed folk wad hae torn her tae cloots an' sheu hed no' ims'd her.Ork. 1929 Marw.:
Imse theesel noo, an' get it done.

2. To excite oneself, to get flurried. Gen. found only as ppl.adj. imsed, agitated, flurried (Ib.). .

[Norw. imsa seg, to be restless, bestir oneself.]

15400

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