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.
SMAIRG, v., n. Also smairgg, smerg, and by conflation with smudge, smairge. [smerg; Lth. smerdʒ]
I. v. To besmear, anoint with an oily or messy substance (Rxb. 1825 Jam., 1942 Zai; wm.Sc., Wgt., Rxb. 1970); specif. to anoint sheep with an oily or tarry mixture to keep the fleece dry and protect them against vermin (Ib.). Ppl.adj. smairgit, smergit, besmeared, stained, marked with dirty spots (Slk. a.1838 Jam. MSS. XI. 170).Rxb. 1821 A. Scott Poems 39:
Wi' soot an grease his face aboon, Is smairgit black as Sunday shoon.s.Sc. 1857 H. S. Riddell Psalms lv. 3:
Thaye smairg inequitie apon me.Rxb. 1925 E. C. Smith Mang Howes 19:
A smairggin rowk feiles ilka thing.
II. n. A smear, stain, an oily or greasy mark, a daubing.Fif. 1864 W. D. Latto T. Bodkin xxii.:
An illfaured smairge o' cauk or whitenin' on the back side o' my bannet.
