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.
GRIM, adj.1, n. Also grimm, grum. [grɪm]
I. adj. 1. Dusky, dim, obscure, in phr. grim day, first dawn (Ork. 1929 Marw.).
†2. Of cattle: having a mottled, greyish face (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928), grimm). Cf. Grim, adj.2
II. n.pl. Dimness, darkness, in phr. de grims (grums) o' de mornin (eenin'), early dawn, the close of evening twilight (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928), ‡Sh. 1955, rare).
[The precise orig. is uncertain, but the meaning has developed from such words as Grimet, Grimlins and the form may represent a back-formation from these, assimilated to Grim, adj.2. See also note to Grime.]
