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.
MIDGE, v., tr. and intr. To move, to shift position, esp. with a sideways movement, to budge, stir, nudge (Ork., Ags., Lth., Dmb. 1962).Per. 1830 Perthshire Advertiser (21 Oct.):
The dapper little waiter . . . midged the gentleman's shoulder with the bread-basket and whispered, “Tak a bit laif to ye'r egg, man”.Sc. 1897 W. Beatty Secretar xiii.:
Gif I had midged, he would have stuck me first.Edb. 1925 A. Muir Third Warning xxiv.:
“I want ma sleep”, retorted the man grimly, “midge off”.Edb. 1956:
To divide [in decimals] by a hundred ye midge the pint two places to the left.
