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: 1795, 1871
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NACE, adj. Also ness, nuce (misprint). Pitiable, destitute, in great and abject want. Also used subst. as a collective, the destitute, the needy. Hence ¶naceness, want, destitution (Sc. (E) 1913 H. P. Cameron Imit. Christ III. xxxv. 142).Abd. 1795 Stat. Acc.1 XVI. 385:
A nuce, or ness family, means a destitute family.Abd. 1871 W. Alexander Johnny Gibb xxi.:
Fat's he — the sin o' a peer nace nyaukit beggar creatur?
