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.
SLEB, n., v. Also slep (Jak.). [slɛb]
I. n. The underlip, especially when projected in a pout or before an outburst of weeping (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl., 1908 Jak. (1928), 1914 Angus Gl., Sh. 1970). Phr. to hing a sleb, to set de sleb, etc., to project the lower lip, pout, assume a sulky or tearful expression (Sh. 1970). Hence, a slack or hanging condition resembling a drooping lip, slackness, limpness, as in 1908 quot. Derivs. slebbo, in phr. as slack as slebbo, very slack or limp, of any object lacking in firmness and resilience (Ork. 1929 Marw.); slebset, with a drooping, sulky lip (Sh. 1904 E.D.D., Sh. 1970).Sh. 1893 Sinclair MS. 2, 7:
Wi da shaskit trøni an sleb o' da pør tried Kristian. . . Lowrie handrists da tabacha, wi' da cutty dirrlin apo da sleb.Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928):
De kessi is gotten a ill sleb upon her, the basket has become slack and wide.
II. v. To hang the lip, to pout (Sh. 1970).
[Prob. ad. Norw. dial. lepe, a (hanging) lip, a flap, with prothetic s-. See Leppy and note.]
