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.
SKUNSIN, n. Also variant skunsis (poss. < pl. -ins). Discretion, common-sense, judgment, specif. with regard to the best use of one's resources, skilful economy (Ork. 1929 Marw.). [′skʌnsɪn]
[Orig. uncertain. Semantically the word is to be connected with Norw. skjøn, opinion, judgment, estimate, Norw. dial., O.N. skyn, id. (cf. Skjone), but the form appears to have been conflated with Scance, q.v., phs. influenced formally by Gumption.]
