Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

Hide Quotations Hide Etymology

Abbreviations Cite this entry

About this entry:
First published 1956 (SND Vol. IV).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

†FAMH, n. Also erroneously fahm; phaam (Bnff. 1807 Hogg Shepherd's Guide 115). See quots. Gael. [fɑ:v]Bnff. 1795 Stat. Acc.¹ XII. 449:
In these [Cairngorm] mountains, it is asserted by the country people that there is a small quadruped which they call famh. In summer mornings it issues from its lurking places, emitting a kind of glutinous matter fatal to horses. . . . It is somewhat larger than a mole, of a brownish colour, with a large head disproportionate to its body.Sc. 1813 Hogg Queen's Wake 97:
Oft had that seer at dawn of morn Beheld the fahm glide o'er the fell.