Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1968 (SND Vol. VII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
PLAGUE, v. Also plaig, pleg (Ork. 1880 Dennison Sketch-Bk. 5); plaug (Abd. 1915 H. Beaton Benachie 107), plagg (Ork. 1956 C. M. Costie Benjie's Bodle 11); †pyague (Abd.15 1930). Sc. forms and usage: In ppl.adj. plagit, plagued, 1. as a term of abuse or vituperation: confounded, “blasted”, “damned”, “pesky”, “plaguey”. Superl. form plaguetest. Also in U.S. dial.; 2. used adv. as an intensive, = exceedingly, very, outstandingly.1. Sc. 1724 P. Walker Six Saints (Fleming 1901) I. 30:
Following the wicked . . . example of their old plagued Resolution-Fathers.Rnf. 1835 D. Webster Rhymes 125:
Affectation's a' your study, Ye plagit, vile, pedantic body.Rnf. 1845 J. Mitchell Original Songs 111:
Ye'll a' hae heard tell o' a kecklin' hen, The plaguetest thing at a poor man's fire en'.2. Wgt. 1877 G. Fraser Wigtown 276:
There's some plagued guid-lookin' snaps on that stan'.
