Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
Hide Quotations Hide Etymology
About this entry:
First published 1941 (SND Vol. II). Includes material from the 2005 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
CHAFFIE, n. A reduced form of Eng. chaffinch (Mry.2 1914; Bnff.2 1939; Abd. 1885 C. Swainson Brit. Birds 63; Abd.19, Ags.17 1939; Fif.1 1934; Slg.3 1939; Bnff., Abd., Fif., Edb., Ayr., Gsw., Dmf. 2000s), Fringilla cœlebs.Abd. 2000 Herald 8 May 19:
Though it came too late for the boy to make any additions to his collection of eggs, the Farmer continued his interest and noted the wrens, the green linties and the chaffies which competed with blackbirds for the airwaves and for the nesting sites.