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.
NISS, n., v. Also deriv. nizzen. Cf. Nirs.
I. n. A harsh, bitter, or strong taste (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928), Sh. 1964).
II. v. As pa.p. nizzend, tainted, smelly, slightly decayed (Ork. 1929 Marw., Ork. 1964).
[Norw. dial. niss, Faer. nissur, O.N. hnissa, a strong smell or taste, Norw. dial. nissen, distasteful, insipid.]
