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.
‡MUM, n., v. [mʌm]
I. n. A murmur, a low inarticulate sound; a word (n.Sc. 1808 Jam.). Gen.Sc., obs. in Eng. since the 17th c. Now usu. in neg. expressions.Sc. 1728 Ramsay Poems (S.T.S.) H. 44:
The Caterpillar was struck dumb, And never answer'd her a Mum.Abd. 1768 A. Ross Helenore (S.T.S.) 38:
But wha wad hae you, when ye sit sae dumb, An' never apens your mou to say a mum?Bch. 1804 W. Tarras Poems 12:
Now ilk ane dytes wi' fient a mum.Ork. 1880 Dennison Sketch-Bk. 102:
Noo' stowin'! Robie — no a mum.Kcb. 1897 T. Murray Frae the Heather 40:
The disconsolate yowie slaed dull frae the knowe, Could scarce raise a mum for her heart was sae fu'.
II. v. To speak in a low inarticulate manner, to mutter or mumble. Obs. in Eng. Also applied to sustained indistinct reading or singing (Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 116). Vbl.n. mumman (Ib.); deriv. mummer, one who reads, speaks or sings thus (Ib.).Per. 1766 A. Nicol Poems 57:
I . . . naething say, but maunt and mum.Abd. 1924 L. Coutts Caul' Nor'-East 17:
Nae priest shall there be, Tae mum at our bridal.Sc. 1935 W. Soutar Poems in Scots 26:
It's no for makars to upvant Themsel's; lat mummers mak a mant O' a' their makins.
