Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

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.

MACNAB, prop. n. Absol. or preceded by def. art.: the head of the clan MacNab; transf. the person in authority, the chief personage, the “big noise”. Phr. whaur the MacNab sits, the head of the table (Sc. 1929). Cf. MacGregor.Sc. 1840 Chambers's Jnl. (11 April) 93:
There are mony Maister Macnabs; but may the auld black laad hae me if there's ony but ae MacNab.