Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1971 (SND Vol. VIII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
SKOBE, n. Also scobe, skob(b); skub, skoob; scoop, skup. Sh. forms and usages of Eng. scope, specif. of an additional length of fishing-line cable kept in reserve in the boat to keep the hooks clear of the sea-bottom or to be paid out in a strong tide (Sh. a.1838 Jam. MSS. XII. 193, scobe, 1866 Edm. Gl., skoob, 1908 Jak. (1928), skob, skub, skup); the amount of slack cable paid out after the anchor has been dropped (Sh. 1914 Angus Gl.). [skob, skub, skup]Sh. 1898 Shetland News (23 April):
Whin da cappie wis hame, Lowrie gae plenty o' skobe.Sh. 1901 T. P. Ollason Mareel 64:
Aesy, gie 'er scoop, an' don't hain 'er.
