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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1971 (SND Vol. VIII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

SHAB, v. 1. To get rid of (a person), get (one) out of the way, to remove, evict, eject (Kcb.4 1900).Gall. 1824 MacTaggart Gallov. Encycl. 347:
They shab'd puir Thomas aff to hell.

2. To slink away, go away unobtrusively or furtively. Also in Eng. dial.Kcb. 1898 A. J. Armstrong Levellers 207:
When Billy struck his first note the moon got “white i' the gills an' shabbed awa doon the lift.”
Kcb. 1908 Gallovidian No. 37. 20:
Come doon the strath when yonder sun Shabs in his glory to the nicht.

[Etym. uncertain. Obs. in Eng. except dial. since 1700 and poss. of cant orig. Some meanings suggest connection with Eng. dial. shab, a scab, fig. a low fellow, a sneak. ?Cf. however also Ger. schaben, to push away, get rid of, thrust out.]

23501

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