Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1974 (SND Vol. IX).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1925
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STANK, v.2, n.2 For Sh. forms see Stunk. v.2, n.2 [stɑŋk]
I. v. To breathe hard or heavily, to pant from over-exertion or when seriously ill, to gasp for breath (n.Sc., Slk. 1808–25 Jam.; Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.). Also in n.Eng. dial. Ppl.adj. stankit, choking for breath, like one swallowing liquid too quickly (Ags. 1921 T.S.D.C.).Rxb. 1925 E. C. Smith Mang Howes 6:
Fishes stankin for braith.
II. n. A deep, gasping breath, a long-drawn-out pant, as of one suffocating (Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.).
[Of Scand. orig. Cf. Norw. dial. stanka, Swed. stånka, to pant, puff, sigh, moan.]You may wish to vary the format shown below depending on the citation style used.
"Stank v.2, n.2". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 15 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/stank_v2_n2>
