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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.

SNAB, n.2 Also ¶snob. A projection of rock, a steep, short slope, the brow of a rugged ascent (Sc. 1825 Jam., 1886 J. Barrowman Mining Terms 62; Bwk. 1942 Wettstein; m.Lth., wm.Sc., Rxb. 1970). Cf. Snib, n., 3. Also in place-names and fig.Per. 1795 Stat. Acc.1 XIX. 554:
At the Snabs of Drimmie, it [the Tay] sent off a portion of its waters.
Rxb. 1811 A. Scott Poems 122:
Spraul up yoursel yon dizzy snab.
Fif. 1845 Stat. Acc.2 IX. 207:
A rich black mould of no great depth, and through which the rock pierces in numerous places, forming barren spots, or snobs [sic].
Hdg. 1883 J. Martine Reminisc. 402:
He had steep “snabs” to climb and go down.
Lnk. 1895 W. Stewart Lilts 32:
Doon Pleasure's snab we'll row Joy's girr.

[Orig. somewhat uncertain. The word is found in place-names in Eng. in the 16th-c. Cf. Norw. dial. snabb, stump, Sw. dial snape, projecting point, M.L.Ger. snabel, beak, Mid. Flem. snabbe, id.]

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