Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1965 (SND Vol. VI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1825, 1876-1925
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LISS, v., n.1 Also deriv. lissen (Uls.). [lɪs]
I. v. To cease, stop, abate (of pain, etc.) (Uls. 1961). Freq. in vbl.n. in pl. lissens, lissance, leeshins, cessation, respite, abatement of an illness (Lth., s.Sc. 1825 Jam., leeshins, lissens; Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.).Lth., Rxb. 1825 Jam.:
It never lisses. He has nae lissens frae the cough.Rxb. 1925 E. C. Smith Mang Howes 17:
A stane-nappin injin gaed on leike a tuim mill, — skrunshin — chaampin — haanshin … an reesellin, — withoot lissance.
II. n. Cessation, abatement, respite as from pain or trouble (s.Sc. 1802 J. Sibbald Chron. Sc. Poetry Gl.; Lth. 1825 Jam.).Rxb. 1876 W. Brockie Confessional 169:
[I] dreamd the worlds o' richer soil, … Wad gie some liss to earthly care an' broil.
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"Liss v., n.1". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 19 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/liss_v_n1>
