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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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First published 1965 (SND Vol. VI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

NASH, n., v. Sc. form and usages of Eng. gnash. [nɑʃ]

I. n. Impudent or caustic talk, biting remarks (Sc. 1880 Jam.; Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.); a chatterbox (Rxb. 1942 Zai, Rxb. 1963). Hence nashie, talkative, chattering (Cld. 1880 Jam.). Cf. Gnash, 2.Edb. 1791 J. Learmont Poems 24:
A bardie ablins can affuird A belder counsel than a laird, Wi' a' his nash.

Comb.: nash-gab, garrulous or impudent talk (Rxb. 1825 Jam.; Cld. 1880 Jam.; Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B., Rxb. 1963). Hence nash-gabbit, impudent or caustic in speech. Cf. gab-nash s.v. Gab, n.¹, 4., snashgab s.v. Snash. n.Eng. dial. has gnashgab, nashgob.Sc. 1816 Scott O. Mortality viii.:
There's the Philistines, as ye ca' them, are gaun to whirry awa' Mr Henry, and a' wi' your nash-gab, deil be on't.Gsw. 1877 A. G. Murdoch Laird's Lykewake 86:
For shame, ye auld nash-gabbit gled! Sic tongues as yours sood aye be tackit.s.Sc. 1897 J. C. Snaith Fierceheart xii.:
It's nashgab on the pairt o' him, ye ken, tae say he was “perticular fou'.”

II. v. To talk in a pert, impudent, or caustic manner (Sc. 1825 Jam.). Ppl.adj. nashin, chattering, pert (Ib.), vbl.n. nashin, (i) = I. (Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B., Rxb. 1963); (ii) in pl., a loquacious or cheeky person (Ib.).Watson:
Dinna nash ti me. A nashin' wee brat.