Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1941 (SND Vol. II). Includes material from the 1976 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
CERTAIN(E), n. and adv. [′sɛrtən]
†1. n. Certainty; certain knowledge.Sc. 1746 More Culloden Papers (ed. Warrand 1930) V. 22:
To my certaine, upon the suspicion of it, my father used all means.
2. adv. In phr. certain sure, absolutely certain (Bnff.2, Abd.9, Fif.10, Slg.3 1939); obs. or dial. in Eng. (N.E.D.); certainly, for certain (‡Abd. 1975). Obs. in Eng.Cai. 1872 M. McLennan Peasant Life II. 301:
Auld Grippie 'll hae the richts o' it certain.ne.Sc. 1883–1886 D. Grant Chron. of Keckleton (1888) 147–148:
There's ae thing I've remarked in regaird to you ministers, an' that is, that gin there be a weel-tochered lass in a congregation, under a bachelor amang ye, he's certain sure to be aifter her.
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"Certain n., adv.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 26 Apr 2024 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/certaine>
