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.
SWAMP, adj., v. [swɑmp]
I. adj. Thin, lean (Sc. 1818 Sawers), esp. of the leanness of one who has formerly been plump and well-filled-out, hollow, emptied-looking, flat in the belly; lithe, lissom. Deriv. swampie, n., a tall thin fellow (Dmf. 1825 Jam.).Sc. 1698 J. Kirkwood Plea before Kirk 34:
The Jilt, big with Child was eased of her burden and as Swamp, said John, as I am.Sc. 1707 Hist. Acct. Royal Coll. Physic. 13:
If it be the Verole petite, let them look to their Young and Sucking Children, and if la Grosse Verole to their Swamper Youths.Sc. 1808 Jam.:
The belly is said to be swamp, after long fasting.Ayr. 1817 D. McKillop Poems 137:
To work them hard an' sair, Till swamp's their crappin'.Per. c.1820 Scots Mag. (Jan. 1956) 280:
Heather Jock was stark an' grim; . . . Swamp and soople, sharp an' thin.Ayr. 1887 J. Service Dr Duguid 159:
The mortclaith-like goons she puts on gie her a swamp, cauldrife, full-m'unted appearance.Sh. 1958:
Da puir dog looks kinda swamp.
II. v. To shrink in bulk, grow thinner, subside (Uls. 1924 Northern Whig (2 Jan.)), ppl.adj. swamped, = I.; to relax after a meal (Wgt. 1972). Cf. Swage.Gall. 1824 MacTaggart Gallov. Encycl. 442:
An animal is said to be swamped when it seems clung, or clinket, or thin in the belly.
