Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1971 (SND Vol. VIII). Includes material from the 2005 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
†SLINGE, v., n. Also slainge, sleenge.
I. v. To lounge or loaf about, to sneak, slink away (Lnk. 1825 Jam.). Also in Eng. and Ir. dials. Hence sleenger, a loafer, an idle good-for-nothing (Id.).Ags. 1988 Raymond Vettese The Richt Noise 59:
Ayont the toon, in the bare cauld field,
a ribbit birrs up its lugs.
The moose scutters reechlin frae leafy bield.
Rattons sleenge alang icy ditches.
The reivin tod jouks the fairmyaird dugs.
Owre aa the houlet, wi muin-een, watches.
II. n. A lay-about, a loafing scrounger (Slk. 1825 Jam., slainge).
[Phs. a conflation of slink and Slounge, lounge.]
