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.
SMELL, v., n.
I. v. As in Eng. Comb. smelling-blades, the plant costmary, Chrysanthemum balsamata, from its strong tansy-like scent. Deriv. smeller, a small dram, a taste, a “sensation.” Cf. II.Sc. 1814 J. Sinclair Agric. Scot. II. 68:
Thyme, spearmint, southernwood, and costmary or smelling-blades, are also favourites.Slg. 1885 W. Towers Poems 123:
Drink you dry, wi' nips, and smellers.
II. n. A small quantity (of a substance) a taste, “suspicion”, “sensation”, gen. of drink (Uls. 1880 Patterson Gl.; I., n. and wm.Sc., Kcb. 1970).Lnk. 1890 J. Coghill Poems 25:
I . . . took nae mair than just a smell O' whisky guid.Sh. 1900 Shetland News (22 Dec.):
We'll a' need a smell o' suntin' ta help wis ta fetter him an' keep him doon.
