Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1934 (SND Vol. I).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
BENSHI(E), BENSHEE, n. A banshee. [′bɛnʃi]Sc. 1771 T. Pennant Tour in Scot. 1769 160:
In certain places, the death of people is supposed to be foretold by the cries and shrieks of Benshi, or the Fairies wife, uttered along the very path where the funeral is to pass.Sc. 1810 Scott Lady of Lake iii. vii.:
Late had he heard, in prophet's dream, The fatal Ben-Shie's boding scream.Kcb. 1814 W. Nicholson Poems (1878) 78:
Be it benshee, bogle, ghaist or wraith But it fear't na Aiken drum.
