We use cookies to enhance your experience on our website. By clicking 'continue' or by continuing to use our website, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. You can change your cookie settings in your browser at any time.

Continue
Find out more

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

Hide Quotations Hide Etymology

Abbreviations Cite this entry

About this entry:
First published 1974 (SND Vol. IX).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

STIM, n. A haze, a mist, e.g. on the sea, on a cold surface like glass, etc. (Ork. 1929 Marw.). Derivs. stimmy, adj., hazy, foggy (Id.; Sh., Ork. 1971), stim(m)is, n., fig. of a state of uncertainty or doubt, a daze. stupefaction. [stɪm]Ork. 1880 Dennison Sketch-Bk. 127:
He gantit aroond him i' a stimis.
Ork. 1956 C. M. Costie Benjie's Bodle 112:
Thir wis a stim rising aaf o' the sea, a kind o' haet haze.

[Orig, uncertain. Marw. compares Swed. dial. stimba, stimma, to steam, steam, fog. But the word may, despite Marw., be a borrowing from Steam [stem].]

25778

snd