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.
†PROSS, v. Also prows-. To put on airs, “talk big”, show off; to gossip (†Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.). Also in n.Eng. dial.
Hence prossie, prowsie, adj., “vexatiously nice and particular in dress or in doing any work” (Rxb. 1825 Jam., ‡1923 Watson W.-B.), stuck-up, conceited. Obs. exc. arch.Slk. 1827 Hogg Shep. Cal. xvii.:
Keep us from a' proud prossing and upsetting — from foul flaips, and stray steps.Sc. 1913 H. P. Cameron Imit. Christ iii. iv.:
Grace . . . disna pross, isna argol-barglous, nar dis scho prefer her ain opingyon tae ithers.
