Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1952 (SND Vol. III).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1823, 1912-1947
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DRUM-MAJOR. n. and v. Sc. usages.
1. n. A masterful, domineering woman. Gen.Sc.Bnff.6 c.1920:
Peter's wife is a rale drum-major.Ayr. 1823 Galt Entail xxviii.:
She's a perfect drum-major, — the randy cutty.
2. v. To “boss” (Abd.27 1950).Edb.1 1940:
Don't try to drum-major me.Bwk. 1947 W. L. Ferguson Makar's Medley 63:
The cocks drum-majorin' and free Amang their hennies.Arg. 1912 N. Munro Ayr. Idylls (1935) 260:
A hectorin', conceited schulemaister, still drum-majorin' bairns.
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"Drum-major n., v.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 18 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/drummajor>
