Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1956 (SND Vol. IV).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
FLAM, n.1, v.1 Also flaam (Sh.).
I. n. 1. A gust (of wind), esp. of a back-draught in a chimney (Ags. 1825 Jam.; Mry.1 1925; Cai.7 1951). Adj. flammie, gusty (Cai.7 1951).Sh. a.1711 R. Sibbald Descr. Ork. and Zet. (1845) 71:
South to the said Hill, at the foot which is called Ronis-voe, and could Harbour many Ships, were it free from the Flams of Wind, which come from the Mountain.Sc. 1820 A. Sutherland St Kathleen III. 110:
It blows squally, as the flams o' reek flappin' down the lum may tell ye.Cai. 1907 D. B. Nicolson in County of Cai.72:
A flam o' win cam' down 'e shimley.Sh. 1922 J. Inkster Mansie's Röd 119:
Lowrie . . . birz'd on his hat fir da flaams o' wind 'at wis comin' aboot da neuk o' da hoos.
2. A great hurry, bustle, state of excitement (Ork.2 1951).Ork. 1929 Marw.:
What are thoo i' sic a flam aboot this morning?
3. A light or passing shower (Ib.).
II. v. To blow in gusts (Cai. 1907 D. B. Nicolson in County of Cai. 72).
[A variant of Flan, n.1, v.1, q.v . ]
