Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

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.

NOB, n.², v.

I. n. 1. A “blackleg” in a strike, an interloper or unqualified person in a trade.Sc. 1825 Scots Mag. (Oct.) 495:
There have of late been several cases of assault upon the workmen termed “nobs” in Messrs. Dunlop's mill.Gsw. 1837 A. H. Millar Black Kalendar Scot. (1884) 113:
I understand a nob to be a man who enters at a reduction of wages during a strike; but it may be understood otherwise. A person who revealed the names of the Secret Committee was considered the greatest nob. To speak to anyone so doing is also nobbing.Ayr. 1870 J. K. Hunter Life Studies xix.:
They ha'e a strong society, the clergy, and hate nobs such as me.Dmb. 1886 D. MacLeod Clyde District 22:
To avoid an encounter between the troops and the people, the “nobs” and their protectors proceeded to the works.

2. In dim. form nobby, a person of social distinction or pretensions, a “toff”. Used ironically in quot.Lth. 1882 P. McNeill Preston 92:
Gin ye a hearty lass wad win Dinna coort her like a nobby.

II. v. To act as or fraternise with a nob (see 1837 quot. above).