Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1941 (SND Vol. II). Includes material from the 1976 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

CHESS, Shess, n.² Also chesse. See also Chass-window.[tʃɛs, ʃɛs]

1. A window-sash, window-frame (Sh. 1914 Angus Gl., shess; Ags.¹⁷, Slg.³, Lnk.³ 1939; ne.Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.). Freq. in combs. chess-window, a framed or sash-window; under-chess, a lower sash.Sc. 1840 G. Webster Ingliston xxviii.: 
The rain that comes in like a river at the chess o' the window.Slg. 1901 R. Buchanan Poems, Songs, etc. 144:
Its hinner en' gaed clean through a window, breaking chess and peens wi' a smash.Edb. 1801 Edb. Weekly Jnl. (10 June) 177: 
Throwing stones with such violence, as to destroy, not only the chases, but also an uncommonly valuable Mirror.Gsw. 1736 J. McUre Hist. Gsw. 251: 
The Hall is illuminated with fourteen Chess Windows.Ayr. 1729 Ayr Presb. Register MS. (12 Nov.): 
Three chesse Lozenges eighteen pence.Dmf. 1744 Penpont Presb. Minutes MS. IV. 316: 
Six under Chesses for the windows.

2. “Either of the halves of a window opening up and down” (Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.).

Comb. half-chess, “said of such a window wide open” (Ib.).

3. “The iron frame which surrounds types, after they are set for the press” (Sc. 1825 Jam.²). Sc. form of Eng. chase.