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.
STIMMA, n., v. Also stimmy; stim-; stimna (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928), 1914 Angus Gl.). [′stɪmə]
I. n. Strength, vitality, substance, pith (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl.). Adj. stimless, powerless, weak, numb, of the hands (Ork. 1929 Marw.).Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928):
Der'r stimna i' yon brøni, there is good nourishment in that bannock.
II. v. In phr. to stimmy awa, to lose consciousness, faint, die (Ork. 1929 Marw.).
[Orig. doubtful. Cf. Faer. stimbur, strength, power, robustness. The form stimna suggests some confusion with Norw. dial. stomn, stem, durability.]
