Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1956 (SND Vol. IV). Includes material from the 2005 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1930, 1992
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GANGS, n. pl. Also gyangs, gangse. A spring shears, used “for clipping sheep” (Cai. 1907 D. B. Nicolson in County of Cai. 73, gangs; Cai.7 1953, gyangs), or “trimming grass borders in gardens” (Cai. 1900 E.D.D.). [g(j)ɑ(:)ŋz]Cai. 1930 John o' Groat Jnl. (25 April):
He could mak' a show sheep so lang's he hed a good gangse.Cai. 1992 James Miller A Fine White Stoor 188:
Everyone has a pair of gyangs and they are shearing from the walls white ropes of material that fall around their feet like lurks o cloth.
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"Gangs n.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 12 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/gangs_n>
