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: 1809-1833
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MOMENT, n. Sc. usage, also occas. in 18th c. Eng.: a second (Sc. 1825 Jam.).
Hence comb. moment-hand, the second-hand of a watch or clock (Sc. 1808 Jam., em.Sc. (a) 1963).Sc. 1809 T. Donaldson Poems 67:
A clock, the hour and moment-hands of which were going in contrary directions.Ags. 1833 J. Sands Poems 126:
I . . . stopt the clock; the moment hand Stood like a rock at my command.
Deriv. †momently, in an instant, immediately.Slk. 1824 Hogg Justified Sinner (1874) 528:
I was momently surrounded by a number of hideous fiends.Edb. 1826 M. & M. Corbett Odd Volume 359:
Tell me where Nanny is, and I'se set out for her momently.
