Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1934 (SND Vol. I).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

AUREA, AURRIE, n. Sc. forms of area. (S.D.D. 1911: aurea, area.) [′ɑ:rɪ̢ Sc.; ′:r wm.Sc.] Aurrie is found in the foll. special senses:

1. (See quot.)Gall. 1824 MacTaggart Gallov. Encycl. 34:
Aurrie o' kirks — That space or area down the middle of churches, between the rows of seats; country people pay great attention to the manner in which strangers walk up and down the aurrie.

2. (See quot.)Kcb.¹ a.1929:
Fifty years ago aurrie was common as the name for the sunken area in front of some houses.3. Slg.³ 1914:
‡Aurrie. The playground of a school.4. Clc.¹ 1914:
“The Aurrie,” in Eaglesham, Renfrewshire, the name given to a rectangular open space, planted with trees, used by the villagers as a public park; in the original charter by which it was set apart for public use, it was called the “Area” situated between certain boundaries; hence the name, “The Aurrie.”