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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1952 (SND Vol. III). Includes material from the 1976 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

DEG, Daig, v., n., adv. [deg]

1. v.

(1) “To strike a sharp-pointed object into any thing, by means of a smart stroke” (Upp.Lnk., Ayr. 1825 Jam.²). Known to Bnff.², Abd.² 1940.Ib.:
Deg the knife into the buird.

(2) “To pierce with small holes or indentations by means of smart strokes with a sharp-pointed instrument” (Ib.). Hence degger, “one who degs” (Ib.).

2. n.

(1) A sharp stroke, a dig (Bnff.² 1940; Upp.Lnk., Ayr. 1825 Jam.²). Also fig.Abd. 1875 G. Macdonald Malcolm II. xix.:
An' ilka ane as he said na, wad gie the stallion aneth him a daig wi' 's spurs, or a kick i' the ribs.Gsw. 1863 J. Young Ingle Nook 60:
It bad me think, at ilka deg aye, Hoo I'd disgraced my guileless Peggie.Ayr. 1823 Galt R. Gilhaize I. xi.:
Winterton, when he lay down, gave him a deg with his elbow, and swore at him to be quiet.

(2) “The hole or indentation thus produced” (Upp.Lnk., Ayr. 1825 Jam.²).

Phr.: to play deg, to poke, in a sexual sense. Ayr. 1841 J. Paton Songs 10:
He had a daughter named pork Meg And many o' ane at her played d-g.

3. adv. With a sharp blow.wm.Sc. 1835–37 Laird of Logan I. 281:
I could see the swurds sometimes come deg against the tender shanks of the leddies.