Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1934 (SND Vol. I).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

BEM, v. [bɛm]

1. “To make a wooden vessel tight by steeping it in water” (Sh. 1914 Angus Gl.).Sh.⁴ 1934:
Du'll hae ta pit da muckle tub i' da burn ta bem him.

2. “To scald kirns, jars, etc.” (Sh.⁴ 1934).Id.:
“Ta bem oot da kirn” or “ta bem oot da mylk jar.”

3. To harden against the cold.Id.:
Bobbie is geen oot dat muckle wi' his bare heid, 'at he's gotten dat wye bemmed wi' da cowld, 'at he winna wear a kep.