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: 1702-1722, 1775, 1867-1969
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SUPPOSE, v. Sc. usages:
1. As in Eng. dial., to indicate certain knowledge as opposed to an assumption: to know for sure, to be assured (that), to believe.Sc. 1885 W. Scrope Salmon Fishing 114:
Suppose, in Scotch, does not imply a doubt, but denotes a certainty.
2. In imper., used as quasi-conj.: if, even if, although (Sc. 1808 Jam.). Gen.Sc.Sc. 1702 Analecta Scot. (Maidment 1834) I. 62:
I went away from the garison about 7 in the morning and was in ascending to the top of it [Ben Nevis] till one after twelve, suppose I be non of the worst climbers.Sc. 1722 Munim. Univ. Gsw. (M.C.) II. 425:
Mr Forbes desired that it should be marked that suppose his name be in the sederunt, yet he went out before the probation.Abd. 1775 A. Shirrefs Poems (1790) 213:
For John o' pipe-skill wasna scant, Suppose I say't.Abd. 1867 A. Allardyce Goodwife xiii.:
I wyte her squeelin's nae been hain't, Suppose I say't mysel.Abd. 1969:
I wadna tell you suppose I kent.
3. In pass.: to be expected, required or permitted to. Gen.Sc.Abd. 1920:
Ye're supposed tae be here at nine o' clock.Fif.17 1965:
Ye're no supposed to dae that, i.e. You are not really permitted to do that.
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"Suppose v.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 4 Apr 2026 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/suppose>
