Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
Hide Quotations Hide Etymology
About this entry:
First published 1965 (SND Vol. VI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
MINK, v.2, n.2
I. v. tr. and intr. To (cause to) grow less, to diminish; to change in size or quantity; to show signs of growing greater or less (Sh. 1914 Angus Gl., Sh. 1963).Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928):
We're never minked ut o' wir kist. We're never minked upo de rig.
II. n. A diminution, a reduction; a difference. Hence minki(e), small. diminutive (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928), 1914 Angus Gl., Sh. 1963).Sh. 1891 J. Burgess Rasmie's Büddie 115:
An, as he stüd, his ee it soucht Da minkie haem o Man.Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928):
To mak' a mink in or atill onyting . . . Dis can hardly mak' a mink or mon atill it.
