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.

SNEE, v.¹, n. Also sni (Jak.), and erron. sneeze (Sh. 1846 Fraser's Mag. (Sept.) 334). See also Snae. [sni]

I. v. To cut off, esp. to cut bait (Sh. a.1838 Jam. MSS. XII. 206, 1914 Angus Gl.; I.Sc. 1971).Sh. 1822 S. Hibbert Description 512:
So he tuik da skuin and sneed da tombe.Sh. 1899 J. Spence Folk-Lore 135:
He took his sköne and sneed aff her skövie (cut off the tail).Sh. 1931 J. Nicolson Tales 53:
One man was appointed to cut or “snee” the bait to the requisite size.

II. n. 1. A cut (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928), Sh. 1971).

2. Of fish: inclination to take the bait (Ib.). Cf. Snae, n., 3.Jak.:
Der'r a ill sni upo' de fish.