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.
TEMBA, n. A state of tension, alertness, watchfulness (Sh. 1914 Angus Gl.); esp. in phrs.: 1. to be upo(n) temba, (1) to be on the alert or on the tiptoe of expectation (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl., 1908 Jak. (1928), Sh. 1972); (2) to be in a dangerous position (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928)); 2. to sit or stand on (upon) temba, to wait anxiously, to be on one's guard (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928), Sh. 1972).
[Of Scand. orig. Cf. Norw. dial. temba, distention (of the stomach), Faer. tamb, id., standa á tambi, to be at bursting point, to be fully stretched or taut. See also note to Tem.]You may wish to vary the format shown below depending on the citation style used.
"Temba n.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 17 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/temba>
