Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1976 (SND Vol. X).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
WURSOM, n. Also -some, -sam, worsom; wirsam, -sim (Sh.); ¶wissum (Abd. 1921 T.S.D.C.). Pus, the discharge from a festering sore (Sc. 1710 T. Ruddiman Gl. to Douglas Aeneis s.v. Eatir; wm.Sc. 1741 A. McDonald Galick Vocab. 25; Sh. 1914 Angus Gl.; I.Sc., Cai. 1974); the matter that collects in the corner of the eye (Abd. 1913).Sc. 1716 J. Moncrief Poor Man's Physician 103:
For Spitting of Worsom or filthy Matter.Ags. 1853 W. Blair Aberbrothock 70:
She had a' rinnin' in her head, an' wanted a twa three bawbees to get saw to put till't to bring the wursome oot.
Combs.: (1) wursum-eed, having rheumy eyes, as from conjunctivitis (Ork., Dmb. 1974); (2) wursam-mither, -midder, the “worm” or core of a boil (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928), wisam-midder; Ork. 1929 Marw.; I.Sc. 1974). See Vose-mither.(2) Sh. 1931 J. Nicolson Tales 102:
For a suppurating sore the common application was a “waaverin leaf” . . . said to expedite the removal of the “wirsim midder”.
