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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1965 (SND Vol. VI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

NIMSH, n. Also nimsch, and dim. and aphetic forms nimshie (Ags. 1964), knimschie, imsch (Mry.1 1925; Cai., Bnff., Abd. 1964), -ie, -ach (Bnff. 1945), -lach (Abd. 1945). A very small piece, the slightest bit, a fragment (Abd.13 1910).Abd. 1919 T.S.D.C.:
Here's a knimschie of cheese.
Abd. 1922 Swatches o' Hamespun 62:
The orra sloosht wytit or she gid by, an' made a grabbach at her cwite-tails, but jist skuffed them the wee'st imschie.
Abd. 1928 N. Shepherd Quarry Wood ii.:
An' the birdies 'll be nane the waur o' a nimsch of cake.

[Phs. a conflation of Nimp and pinch, inch.]

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