A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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About this entry:
First published 1963 (DOST Vol. III).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1499-1500, 1591, 1686
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Hirdy-girdy, Hirdie-girdie, n. and adv. [Imitative. Also in north. Eng. dialects.] (In) confusion or uproar. —a1500 Tale of the Colkelbie Sow i. 183.
Sick a din and a dirdy, A garray and a hirdy girdy a1500 Ib. 495.
[Of] this hirdy girdy I … cry ȝow mercy 1591 Criminal Trials I. 239.
Thay ran all hirdie-girdie and wer angrie 1686 Stuart Joco-Ser. Disc. 44.
What hirdy girdy this ye keep
