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.
NEBSIE, adj., n. Also nebsy, neypsie.
I. adj. Impudent, pert (Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.; Bwk. 1942 Wettstein; Rxb. 1942 Zai; e.Lth. 1963), prim, precise (Upp. Cld. 1825 Jam.). Comb. nebsy-birsy, quarrelsome (Bwk. 1919 T.S.D.C.). See Birsie. adj., 2.Rnf. 1898 J. M. Henderson Kartdale 81:
Sae maun this nebsy creature, ca'd society, knuckle down to the only morality there is.
II. n. An impudent old woman (Rxb.1825 Jam., ‡1923 Watson W.-B.).
[A deriv. in -Sie of Neb. Cf. Nebbie, 2., impertinent.]
