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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.

BAY, v.1 and n. [be:]

1. v. To lift up the voice loudly; mostly in weeping.Bnff. 1866 W. Gregor D.Bnff.:
The muckle bairnly breet o' a loon began t' bay an' greet fin's mither geed awa.

2. n. The voice raised loudly.Bnff. 1866 W. Gregor D.Bnff.:
He ga' a bay nae ordinar, fin he wiz pitten in amo' the caul' wattir. vbl.n. bayan, ib., and adj. bayin, ib.

[O.Sc. bay, v., of dogs, to bay, of birds, to screech, early 15th cent. (D.O.S.T.). The Bnff. word might have come from the bay of dogs or the cry of sheep.]

2140

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