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.
RHEUM, n. Also reum, rume. Sc. usage, esp. in pl.: rheumatic pains (Bnff., Ags., Per., ‡Kcb. 1968). Now rare or obs. in Eng.Sc. 1752 Hume Essays & Treat. (1777) II. 197:
Old men . . . endeavour, as long as possible, to conceal their blindness and deafness, their rheums and gouts.Ags. 1849 Brechin Advertiser (30 Jan.) 3:
He wudna rise withoot the rume pains at the verie lest.Fif. 1896 D. S. Meldrum Grey Mantle 291:
It was like the rheüms, I suppose, and got into the joints o' her natur.Ags. 1944 Scots Mag. (May) 89:
He's bye wi' the worries o' this world, except things like rheums.
