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.
UPMAK, v., n. Also -makk, -mack, -make. [′ʌpmɑk]
I. v. Obs. in Sc. as a finite verb and now found only in deriv. forms: 1. Vbl.n. upmakin(g), making up or preparing in various technical senses; specif. the assembling of lines of type into pages for printing (Gen.Sc.); the preparation of ground for planting; the tailoring, sewing and making up of clothes. Agent n. upmaker.Sc. 1733 Annual Progress Linen Manufacture (H.M.S.O. 1964) 24:
Skilful Hecklers, sorters and upmakers of Lint.Sc. 1855 J. Morton Cycl. Agric. II. 620:
The average cost of this extent did not exceed 15s. per acre for plants and planting, with all necessary upmaking.Fif. 1864 W. D. Latto T. Bodkin 232:
The upmakin' o' a' the sumptuous robes worn on state occasions by the king.Sc. 1897 M. Oliphant W. Blackwood II. 409:
A sheet was often left for him in the “upmaking” till the last possible moment, in the hope of an article.
2. To make up a story, compose a fiction, in agent n. upmak(k)er, story-teller, composer, upmakin, composition, creation (Sh., Bnff., Abd. 1973).Ags. 1883 Brechin Advert (1 May):
Fan a lad had a bit o's ain upmakin', it wid maistly taen yer breath awa to hear the way it wis deliver't.Mry. 1914 H. J. Warwick Tales 157:
The stories are gey behauden tae the upmaker.
3. Ppl.adj., vbl.n. upmakin(g), compensating, making up for (a lack or defect); compensation.Sc. 1714 T. Halyburton Natural Relig. 3:
Securing us in an Upmaking for our Losses on the other Side Time.Sc. 1764 E. Henderson Ann. Dunfermline (1879) 384:
O for an upmaking meal of free grace — a rich alms to make all odds even.Bnff. 1893 G. G. Green Kidnappers xvii.:
The Lord's aye an upmakin' portion, an' He does a' things weel.
4. Ppl.adj. upmade, pleased, elated (s.Sc. 1973). Also in n.Eng. dial.Rxb. 1925 E. C. Smith Mang Howes 23:
The little bleckie was fair upmade whan A said “Hyeh!”Rxb. 1927 E. C. Smith Braid Haaick 23:
My! sic a graand praizint; she'll be fair upmade.
5. Ppl.adj. upmaking, making up (to a person), currying favour, ingratiating.Sc. 1863 J. W. Carlyle Letters (Froude 1883) III. 166:
They were very (what we call in Scotland) ‘upmaking' to me, and pressed me to visit them at Ealing.
6. Vbl.n. upmaking, restoration to health, building up, recuperation.m.Sc. 1932 O. Douglas Priorsford xxxv.:
Folk that need rest and up-making.
II. n. 1. (1) Invention, composition, a made-up story, song, plan. etc. (Sh., Bnff., Abd. 1973), a lie (Sh. 1973).Abd. 1804 W. Tarras Poems 6:
Wi' catchie glees, some o' his ain up-mak.Sh. 1879 Shetland Times (22 March):
A' der upmacks may turn up inta a fyeoraskeet.Abd. 1880 G. Webster Crim. Officer 39:
Noo, that's fae the public prents, ye ken; it's nae up-mak' o' mine.Abd. 1950 Buchan Observer (28 Nov.):
When they entered upon a thrilling tale, a veritable recitation, or “feckly ooten ene's ain up-mak'.”
(2) One's disposition or make-up (Sh. 1973).
2. In dressmaking: the make-up, piecing-together, sewing of a garment (Sh. 1972).Abd. 1875 W. Alexander My Ain Folk 178:
Full particulars concerning the material and “up-mak'” of the bride's dress.
3. Compensation, reparation (Sh. 1973); a deficiency payment, in calculating a subsidy (Ork. 1973).Abd. 1865 G. MacDonald Alec Forbes lxx.:
Deil a drap sall ye drink: But I'll sing ye a sang, by way o' upmak'.Sh. 1897 Shetland News (11 Sept.):
Seekin' upmaks for his corn.
