Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1956 (SND Vol. IV).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1746-1747, 1900-1918
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FRUMP, n., v. Also frums, froms (Sh.). Sc. forms and usages:
I. n. 1. Gen. in pl.: sulks, a peevish or fretful mood (Sh. 1908 Jak.(1928), froms; Sh.10 1953). Now dial. in Eng. Hence frumpy, ill-natured, peevish.Sc. after 1746 Jacobite Minstr. (1829) 303:
O wad the frumpy froward Duke Wi' a' his brags o' weir, joe, But meet our Charlie hand to hand.Edb. 1915 T. W. Paterson Auld Saws 130:
Ilk day be doctor to yersel; Troke nane wi' crabbit frumps.
†2. A rumple, “an unseemly fold or gathering in any part of one's clothes” (Dmf. 1825 Jam.).Per. 1900 E.D.D.:
Your dress fits, a' but that frump.
II. v. 1. To be fretful, peevish (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928); Sh.10 1953).
2. To rumple (Sh.10 1953).Sh. 1918 T. Manson Peat Comm. I. 79:
Ye're hair is aa frumsid.
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"Frump n., v.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 6 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/frump>
