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: 1808-1825, 1925
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CURMUD, Curmudd, Carmud, adj. and v. The obsol. form curmudge is occas. found (Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B. and Intro. § 23 (A)). Cf. Curmudlie.
I. adj. Given by Watson as obsol.
1. Close; referring both to position and to the state of intimacy (Lnk., s.Sc. 1825 Jam.2; Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.).Rxb. 1808 A. Scott Poems 48:
Cock't on their hunkers, facin' ither, The twasome [frogs] sat curmud thegither.
2. Intimate, on cordial terms, “frequently applied to a pair of lovers” (Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.).Rxb. 1825 Jam.2:
It is often used in a bad sense; as, They're o'er curmud thegither, signifying, that a man and woman are so familiar, as to excite suspicion.
3. “Snug, comfortable” (Slk.1825 Jam.2). S.D.D. (1911) gives carmud.Rxb.(D) 1925 E. C. Smith Mang Howes an Knowes 20:
Sittin curmudd ahint, an geetin a hurl for nochts, twae-threi bleitheleike fallihs . . . smokeet their claey peipes.
†II. v. “To sit in a state of closeness and familiarity” (Ags. 1825 Jam.2).Ags. 1825 Jam.2:
They're curmuddin' thegither.
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"Curmud adj., v.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 5 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/curmud>
