Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1968 (SND Vol. VII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
PHEMIE, n. Also Phaemie (Gall. 1901 R. Trotter Gall. Gossip 48; Per., Fif., Lth., Ayr. 1915–26 Wilson), Femie (Ags. 1891 Barrie Little Minister ix.) and reduced form Phame (Fif., Lth. 1926 Wilson). Sc. dim. forms of Euphemia (Ayr. 1787 Burns Blythe was She ii.; Edb. 1869 J. Smith Poems 118). Gen.Sc. See also Effie, Eupham. [′feme]
Sc. usage: A man who takes an interest in women's affairs, an effeminate, interfering busybody, a jessie, s.v. Jess (Ayr.4 1928; ‡Dmb. 1965).
[Pet form of the prop. name Euphemia.]
