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.
Quotation dates: 1825-1829
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GLOSS, n.1 Also †glos. [glɔs, glos]
1. A low, clear-burning fire without smoke or flame (Sc. 1787 J. Elphinston Propriety II. 119, glos; Gall. 1824 MacTaggart Gallov. Encycl. 233; s.Sc. 1825 Jam.; Rxb. 1942 Zai; Slk. 1954); the glow of such a fire (Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.; Bwk. 1942 Wettstein). Also in Nhb. dial.Fif. 1825 Jam.:
In Fife, the phrase red gloss is frequently used as opposed to flame; as, "There's a fine red gloss, but nae low."Slk. 1829 Hogg Shepherd's Cal. I. 312:
So the smith . . . covered the gloss neatly up with a mixture of small coals, culm, and cinders.
Hence †(1) glossins, n.pl., "flushings in the face" (Teviotd. 1825 Jam.); (2) glossy, adj, of a fire; glowing and clear (Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B., 1942 Zai; Bwk. 1942 Wettstein; Fif. 1954).
†2. A "warm-up" at a gloss. Cf. Gloze.Lth. 1825 Jam.:
Cum in by, and tak a gloss.
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"Gloss n.1". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 15 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/gloss_n1>
