A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
Hide Quotations Hide Etymology
About this entry:
First published 1986 (DOST Vol. VI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Py, v.3 (? = mod. south Sc. pie (1824–), and north. Eng. dial. pee (1674–), to look with one eye, also to peer closely, ? related to ME pike, pyke (Chaucer), e.m.E. peke, peek, Pepe v.2 and Pipe v.3: (cf. also Pipand ppl. adj.1).) —a1500 Henr. Fab. 2127 (Chart.).
It is ane syde of salmond, as it wer, And callour pyand [Hart collour pying] like ane pertrik ee
