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.
‡FOREGAIN, prep. Also forgen (Ork. 1929 Marw.), forgain, and †for(e)against, †for(e)gainst. Opposite to, in front of, against (Ork.5, Abd.27 1953). Foregainst has been obs. in Eng. since mid. 17th cent. [Sc. fɔr′gen, -′gɛn, Ork. -′gjɛn]Sc. 1700 Edb. Gazette (12–14 Feb.):
On the West side of Miln's Square foreagainst the Tron.Ags. 1720 Dundee Charters, etc. (1880) 177:
Next at the head of the Seagate for against Tendall's Wynd.Sc. 1721 Ramsay Poems (S.T.S.) I. 189:
And dance sae finely to his Fiddle, With Nose forgainst a Lass's Midle.Kcb. 1814 W. Nicholson Tales 30:
“Guid sooth,” quo' Kate, “lass, I'll be bun' To lay a plack forgain a pun'.”Fif. 1864 W. D. Latto T. Bodkin v.:
Wi' oor hearts duntin' sair forgainst oor ribs.Ib. x.:
I scrambled up a trap that was leanin' forgainst the easin'.
Phr.: to haud foregain, to hold in check, withstand, resist (Ork.5 1953). Cf. Again, 1. (2).
[Fore-, 1. + Again, against, Gin, prep.1, 3. O.Sc. forgane, 1375, forganis, 1466, for(e)agenis, 1558, for(e)against, 1561, id.]You may wish to vary the format shown below depending on the citation style used.
"Foregain prep.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 19 Apr 2024 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/foregain>
