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: 1873-1929
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ONLESS, conj. Also oonless (Abd. 1929 J. Alexander Mains and Hilly 5). Sc. (now only n.) forms of Eng. unless. Cf. Aless and On-, pref.2Mry. 1873 J. Brown Round Table Club 214:
That fae the Cairngorms is naething till't, oonless ye waur tae traivel roon' the taps o' them.Rnf. 1876 D. Gilmour Paisley Weavers 37:
Sinners maun a' hae a gude opinion o' theirsels afore ye'll admit them, onless they can haun in a gowpen o' siller.s.Sc. 1897 E. Hamilton Outlaws iii.:
There's nae man in Liddesdale can sickerly lead a party at night . . . onless Will Elliot.Abd. 1929 Abd. Univ. Rev. (March) 128:
A dinna eyven ken fa Jock A'den wiz, onless ye mean Aul' Thrummie 'imsel.
