Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1971 (SND Vol. VIII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

SMIACH, n., v. Also smeech. [′smi(ə)x, smjɑx]

I. n. A slight sound, a whisper, murmur (Inv. 1948; Per.⁴ 1950, smeech); by extension, a trace of any kind, a spark, puff, sign of life (Cai. 1970).Cai., Rs. 1921 T.S.D.C.:
No a smeech fae him.Inv. 1948:
Not a smiach! Not a sound! Hush! He never made a smiach.Per.⁴ 1950:
Not a smeech oot o you noo, or it'll be the worse for yersel!Cai. 1956:
I canna get a smyach out o 'at fire.Cai. 1961 Edb. John o' Groat Liter. Soc. 4:
They could no raise a smiach o' steam.

II. v. To utter a slight sound, in neg. sentences. (Cai. 1970)Cai., Rs. 1921 T.S.D.C.:
He niver smeeched.