Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1934 (SND Vol. I).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
ABER, adj., v. Also Aaber (Only Sh.) [′ɑ(:)bər]
1. adj.
(1) Sharp, keen — e.g. of an edge-tool.Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928):
A aber edge, a aber knife.
(2) With sharp outlines; clear and distinct.Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928):
De land is very aber de day (clear and distinct, seen far off).Ib.:
A aber sky (a sky with clouds which are in sharp contrast to the deep-blue in between).
(3) Sharp-sighted; keenly observant; watchful. (Jak.)
(4) Eager, greedy.Sh. 1899 J. Spence Sh. Folk-Lore 156:
This disease [“heart-wear”] assumed two forms, viz. the aaber and the feckless. In the former the heart was understood to be too big, and there was a voracious (aaber — greedy) appetite, without doing the body any good.Sh.(D) 1918 T. Manson Humours Peat Comm. 74:
Forby dat, I'm raelly aaber ta hear dis concert ats bein gottin up.Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928):
Aber aboot or for a thing.Ib.:
De fish is aber (swallowing the bait greedily).
2. v.
(1) To sharpen, as a knife.Sh.4 1931:
Boy, du micht aaber up da tully ta me.
(2) To stir up and make bright, as a fire.Sh.(D) 1916 J. J. H. Burgess Rasmie's Smaa Murr Janniwary 2:
It's for da young ta aaber-up i da birtek o life.Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928):
To aber up de birtek — i.e. to quicken the fire.
