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: 1851-1852, 1914
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GRUM, adj., n.2 Also grumm, gromm. [grum, grɔm]
I. adj. 1. Grim, fierce, surly (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928), grumm, gromm); of weather: storm-threatening (Jak.). Also in Eng. dial. Hence grummli, "of a grim, fierce or frowning appearance" (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928)).
2. Ugly, repulsive (Ib., Sh. 1955). Hence grumly, idem.Sc. a.1852 Great Silkie in Child Ballads No. 113 ii.:
Then ane arose at her bed-fit, An a grumly guest I'm sure was he: "Here am I, thy bairnis father, Although that I be not comelie."
†II. n. A dark patch (in the sky).Sh. 1914 Angus Gl.:
He's no gjaain ta be lang gud, de'r a grum anunder da sun.
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"Grum adj., n.2". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 5 Feb 2026 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/grum_adj_n2>
