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.
Quotation dates: 1866-1931
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RAAB, n., v. Also rab; rabe; raub. [rɑ:b]
I. n. A fall of rock from a cliff face, an avalanche (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl., 1914 Angus Gl., Sh. 1967); the mass of rocks thus precipitated (Sh. a.1838 Jam. MSS. XII. 182, 1908 Jak. (1928)); a crashing, rumbling noise as of falling rock (Ib.).Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl.:
The raab of a cliff.Sh. 1899 Shetland News (25 March):
I niver kent fil I heard raab efter raab, an' in a instant, mast an' sail wis ower da lee side.Sh. 1931 Manson's Shet. Almanac 197:
Every mov wis echoed wi' a creak an' a rabe 'at set me hert fleein'.
II. v. Of a mass of rocks: to fall from the face of a cliff (Sh. a.1838 Jam. MSS. XII. 182, 1914 Angus Gl., Sh. 1967). Ppl.adj. raubit, ruinous, tumble-down.Sh. 1888 B. R. Anderson Broken Lights 84:
He rade clean daft ower auld Pechts brochs; Wroucht weeks on weeks, wi' wheer mill-picks By auld crü-steeads, an' raubit deks.Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928):
De banks is rabin.
