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.

BEE, Bei, Beye, n.² [bi: w.Dmf.; bəi, bęi, bɛi e.Dmf. and Rxb. See P.L.D. § 103.]

1. (See quots.)s.Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B. 52; e.Dmf.²:
Bei. Also beye. A metal ring or ferrule.Dmf. 1825 Jam.²:
Bee. A hoop or ring of metal, put round the handle of any thing, into which a tine or prong is inserted, to prevent its twisting asunder.w.Dmf. 1899 J. Shaw Country Schoolmaster 344:
Bee, a metal ring round the foot of a staff.

2. (See quot.)†n.Sc. 1808 Jam.:
Bee. The hollow between the ribs and hip-bone of a horse.