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.
OFF-GO, n., v. See also Affgo.
I. n. Start, beginning, outset, commencement (I., ne. and em.Sc. 1964).Sc. 1886 Stevenson Kidnapped xxix.:
I may tell ye at the off-go, unless we can agree upon some terms, ye are little likely to set eyes upon him.Per. 1896 I. Maclaren Kate Carnegie 96:
He was a wee fractious an' self-willed at the off-go.
II. v. 1. As vbl.n. off-going, a removal, departure, taking away by death (Sc. 1825 Jam.). Cf. Affgaun, 2.Sc. 1727 P. Walker Remark. Pass. 35:
He'll get a sudden and sharp Off-going and ye will be the first that will take the good News of his Death to Heaven.
2. As ppl.adj., of a market: providing a quick and ready sale, brisk.Lnk. 1825 Edb. Ev. Courant (5 Nov.):
The only business done was among the cart horses, and with respect to them, as was stated by a dealer, it was “a good off-going market.”
