Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1974 (SND Vol. IX).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1925
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STANK, v.2, n.2 For Sh. forms see Stunk. v.2, n.2 [stɑŋk]
I. v. To breathe hard or heavily, to pant from over-exertion or when seriously ill, to gasp for breath (n.Sc., Slk. 1808–25 Jam.; Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.). Also in n.Eng. dial. Ppl.adj. stankit, choking for breath, like one swallowing liquid too quickly (Ags. 1921 T.S.D.C.).Rxb. 1925 E. C. Smith Mang Howes 6:
Fishes stankin for braith.
II. n. A deep, gasping breath, a long-drawn-out pant, as of one suffocating (Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.).
[Of Scand. orig. Cf. Norw. dial. stanka, Swed. stånka, to pant, puff, sigh, moan.]You may wish to vary the format shown below depending on the citation style used.
"Stank v.2, n.2". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 8 May 2026 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/stank_v2_n2>
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