Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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

FIMIS, n., v., adj. Also fimmis(h). [′fɪmɪs, -ɪʃ]

I. n. A flurry, a state of excitement, doubt or perplexity (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl., 1914 Angus Gl.; Ork. 1929 Marw., fimmis; Sh.¹¹ 1951). Deriv. fimister, nervousness (Ork. 1922 J. Firth Reminisc. 151; Ork.⁵ 1951), fimistery (Ork. 1929 Marw.).Ork. 1880 Dennison Sketch-Bk. 127:
He gan'd aroond him i' a stimis Till he wus fairly i' a fimis.Sh. 1914 Angus Gl.:
What's du in sik a fimmish aboot.

II. v. To be in a hurry, to make haste (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl., 1908 Jak. (1928)). Ppl.adj. fimmist, fimis'd, agitated, excited, flurried (Ork. 1929 Marw.).Ork. 1904 Dennison Sketches 6:
Ye see dey wur sae feurce an' fimis'ed 'at de'ilie bit o' them kent what they wur deuan'.

III. adj. Excited, flustered (Ork. 1929 Marw.).Ib.:
A fimmis ting o' a lass.