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.
Quotation dates: 1956
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KIMS, v., n., adj. Cf. Himps, Himst.
I. v. ‡To toss or jerk the head or body (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928)), e.g. as a sign of spirit or disdain (Ork. 1960). Ppl.adj. kimset, making such movements, restless, fidgetty, abrupt (Jak.). Adj. kimsey, proud, haughty, scornful, fussy.Ork. 1956 C. M. Costie Benjie's Bodle 15, 183:
Sheu wis a kimsey body an' liked tae see a' t'ing cheust so. . . . Sheu wis leukan fine an' kimsey wae a new blue cott an' a yellow hat.
II. n. A sudden jerky movement, a quick turn of the head or body (Ib.).
III. adj. = kimset above; frolicsome, silly (Ib.).
[Norw. kimse, to toss the head, as in scorn, Dan. kims, inclined to toss the head, scornful.]
