Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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About this entry:
First published 1976 (SND Vol. X, list of Scottish personal names).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
JESS. Also in dim. forms Jessie, -y (Ayr. 1796 Burns Here's a Health i.; Rnf. a.1810 R. Tannahill Poems (1900) 160; Rxb. 1942 Zai; Gen.Sc.), Jessag (Cai. 1902 J. Horne Canny Countryside 44), Jessock (Ayr. 1887 J. Service Dr Duguid 146). Reduced or pet form of Jinse, q.v. (Ayr. 1786 Burns Holy Fair ix.; Per., Fif., Lth., Ayr. 1915–26 Wilson). Gen.Sc. [dʒɛs]
