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.
‡SONSE, n. Also sonce, shonce, ¶sonsy (metri causa in 1790 quot.). [sons] 1. Good fortune or luck, prosperity, abundance (Lth. 1808 Jam.; Uls. c.1840 W. Lutton Montiaghisms (1924), 1953 Traynor; Cai. 1971). Phrs.: sonse fa' (ye), sonsy-, may prosperity attend (you), bless (you) (Bnff., Fif., Ayr. 1825 Jam.), sometimes simply as a friendly expletive. Cf. Speed; sonce (on) ye, id.Sc. 1705 Dialogue between Country-Man and Landwart School-Master 7:
More Luck and Sonce follow'd me, than his former Master.Sc. 1721 Ramsay Poems (S.T.S.) I. 134:
Folks of more tender Consciences have turned their Expletives to friendly Wishes, such as this; or, Sonse fa' ye, and the like.Edb. 1773 in Fergusson Poems (S.T.S.) II. 71:
Sonse fa' me, gif I hadna' lure I cou'd command ilk muse as sure.Rnf. 1790 A. Wilson Poems 193:
Sonsy fa' your Muse, my laddie! She's a wench can mount fu' heigh.w.Lth. 1908 J. White Sketches 5:
Sonce me, his thoughts tae vary like the rollin year.Cai.7 1958:
Shonce on ye!
2. Sedateness, dignity of manner (Sh. 1914 Angus Gl.). This usage is doubtful and may be due to confusion with Mense.
[O.Sc. sons, = 1., a.1300, Gael., Ir. sonas, good luck. prosperity.]
