Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1971 (SND Vol. VIII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

SAB, v.², n.² Also sabb; sob. Deriv. sabble. [sɑb; sɑbl]

I. v., tr. and intr. To soak, seep, saturate (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl., 1908 Jak. (1928), sabb; Ork. 1929 Marw., Ork. 1969). Ppl.adj. sabbit (Sh. 1969), sabbed (Marw.), soaked. Freq. form sabble, to dabble, stir about in liquid food.Ork. 1920 J. Firth Reminisc. 154:
The weet had sabbid thro the sand tae the tatties.Sh. 1949 New Shetlander No. 18. 12:
Robbie wis sabbit troo an' troo.Ork. 1950:
The bairns were sabblin' wi' their soup.

II. n. A soaking, saturating, esp. of a heavy downpour of rain, a thunder shower.Abd. 1768 A. Ross Helenore (S.T.S.) 80:
Says Norie: “Na, yon summer sob is out. This night lookes well . . .”