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.
STUMSE, v., n. Also stums (Jak.), stumps. [stʌms]
I. v. 1. intr. To stare dumbly in amazement or shock (Sh. a.1838 Jam. MSS. XII. 215), also with wi, to be rendered speechless (Sh. 1914 Angus Gl.).Sh. 1836 Gentleman's Mag. II. 591:
Yea, du mey stumse, du ill viandit teef.Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928):
He stumst wi', he stopped in perplexity, could not say a word.
2. tr. To take aback, to confound, to make speechless with surprise or dismay (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928), Sh. 1971). Ppl.adj. stumst, stumpsed, thunderstruck, dumbfounded, quite taken aback (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl., 1908 Jak. (1928), Sh. 1971).
II. n. A state of speechless amazement, stupefaction, dumb perplexity (Sh. 1971).Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928):
Der' wer' a stums on him. To be in a stums.
