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.
SKUB, n., v. Also scub(b), skobb; skib-. [skʊb, skʌb]
I. n. 1. Fine rain, a passing drizzle, light wetting mist (Sh. a.1838 Jam. MSS. XII. 193, 1908 Jak. (1928), skobb; Ork. 1929 Marw., skub, skibby; Sh. 1970; a thick fog (Sh. 1825 Jam., scubb, 1866 Edm. Gl., 1908 Jak. (1928)). Also fig. Adj. skubby, skobbie, wet, drizzling, misty (Jak.). Deriv. skubly, foggy weather (Edm.).Sh. 1891 J. Burgess Rasmie's Büddie 105:
As da pirr o memry, blaain, Frae mi een da skub aa clears.Sh. 1898 “Junda” Klingrahool 22:
A skubby hask hings, icet-gray, An da sun is never bön seen da day.Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928):
A skobb o' weet; de skobb o' de shooer, the slackening of a shower when it has lost its force; skobbie wadder, a skobbie shooer.
2. Hazy, drifting clouds (Sh. 1914 Angus Gl., Sh. 1970).Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928):
Der'r a loose skobb gaun ower de sky.
II. v. To drizzle, to rain as a fine misty shower (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928), Sh. 1970). Also in freq. form scubble (Kcd. 1850). Vbl.n. skob(b)in, damp fog (Jak.).
[Orig. doubtful. Jak. compares Faer. skubbutur, turbid, of a mixed colour, grayish, which may be connected.]
