Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1971 (SND Vol. VIII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
SNIG, v.1 To cut, to chop (Uls. 1953 Traynor; Kcb. 1971). Also in Eng. dial. Also fig. Phr. to be snigged off at the web end, to be frustrated of one's hopes or purposes.Sc. a.1758 Ramsay Poems (S.T.S.) III. 298:
Bootless she strave her case to mend — She's ay snigg'd off at the wob end.Ayr. 1817 D. McKillop Poems 41, 110:
To snig the tail in thund'rin' fury wi' cruckit gullies . . . When poverty snigs like a knife.Dmf. 1873 A. Anderson Song of Labour 71:
He near sniggit his thoom.Slg. 1885 W. Towers Poems 67:
Nay! train their bairns to slaughter men. . . . There's only fame and pleasure when They snig them by the regiment.
