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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.

SPEND, v.¹ Pa.p. spent, speint-, spynt-. Sc. forms and usages:

1. As in Eng. Sc. derivs. (1) adj. spendable, applied to animals and things: weak, feeble, that may be easily spent or wasted (Peb. a.1838 Jam. MSS. XI. 175); (2) spendrife, adj., prodigal, extravagant (Cld. 1825 Jam.; ne.Sc., Ags. 1971), n., a spendthrift (Ib.).(2) Abd. 1879 G. MacDonald Sir Gibbie lxii.:
Hap yer bairns frae the muckle storm, Spendrife laverock!Abd. 1921 M. Argo Janet's Choice 23:
Spendrife fowk trintlin' awa' guid hard-earned siller on dress an' trinkums.

2. intr. Of time: to elapse, pass (Sh. 1971). Obs. in Eng.Sh. 1898 Shetland News (30 July):
I most geng, fir da day is spendin'.

3. In ppl.adj. spent: (1) of a fish, esp. herring: spawned, in poor condition after spawning. Gen.Sc. Rare in Eng. Also as n., spent, dim. speinty, spyntie, a fish that has just spawned (Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 176, speinty; ne.Sc. 1971); fig. as term of abuse.Sc. 1750 Scots Mag. (Aug.) 396:
As soon as the herrings are caught, they are immediately gutted, and distinguished by three different species, viz. 1. The matkiss herring, which is of the smallest kind; 2. The fult herring, which has got a large milt; 3. The spent herring, which is of the poorest sort.Cai. 1863 St Andrews Gazette (16 May):
Half-barrels of crown and full brands and crown brand spents are difficult to sell.Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 52:
Fyfteen barrel o' spynties.Abd. 1923 L. Coutts Sc. Hotch Potch 15:
Ye foul orra besom! Ye spent! Ye slut, ye!Sc. 1934 W. Moffatt Shetland 116:
There are such classifications [of herring] as Large Fulls, Fulls, Mattjes, Spents and T.B.'s.

(2) wasted, expended to no purpose.Sh. 1897 Shetland News (11 Sept.):
Dy letters, joy, wir only spent.

¶(3) ruined, spoilt.Ags. 1951 C. Sellars Open the Westport vii.:
She worked sore at this suit for me — and I doubt 'tis spent.