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.

MADGE, n.

1. A pet-name for Marjorie, used contemptuously to refer to a silly woman (Lnk. 1825 Jam., Lnk. 1962).Sc. 1814 C. I. Johnstone Saxon & Gael. III. ix.:
That glaikit madge Leddy Sibby's aff to the half-merk wi' the Count.

2. A name given to a single bright star seen near the moon. See quot.Bnff. c.1890 Gregor MSS.:
It is a general belief that when a large star is seen near the moon, stormy weather is not far off. At Macduff such a star goes by the name of Madge and the saying is: “Madge is ower near the meen.”