Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1976 (SND Vol. X).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1777
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GAB, v.2 Mining: To pack waste material in a space excavated in a pit.Fif. 1777 Session Papers, Memorial Carron Co. (25 April) 33:
The work afterwards yielded itself room for stowing the rubbish behind them, and was all gabbed firm to the roof. The pit was put down hap-nap, all by chance.
[Sc. form of Eng. gob, the space excavated in a mine, the material used to pack such a space, vbl.n. gobbing, id., in coal mining usage.]
