Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1965 (SND Vol. VI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1908
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NILD, v., n.1 Also njild, näild. [n(j)ɪld, nəild]
I. v. To whimper discontentedly, to grumble continually (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928)), to beg importunately (Sh. a.1891 E.D.D.). Ppl.adj. nildin, whimpering (Jak.).Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928):
De bairn was nildin i' my face. . . . A nildin bairn. Dey nilded or näilded de (t)ane at de tidder.
II. n. An aching, continuous pain, as of toothache (Jak.).
[Cf. Norw. dial. gnell, a wail, continual complaining, gnella, to scream, Sw. dial. gnäll, persistent request, gnalla, to wail.]You may wish to vary the format shown below depending on the citation style used.
"Nild v., n.1". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 18 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/nild_v_n1>
