Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1952 (SND Vol. III).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
CROSE, CROZE, CROISE, v., n. [kro:z]
1. v.
(1) To talk ingratiatingly in a whining tone, to flatter (Mry.1 1925, croze; Bnff.2 1941; Upp. Deeside 1917 (per Abd.8), croze); “to speak with a weak, shaky voice like an aged person” (Sc. 1911 S.D.D. Add., croze).Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 32:
He widna sit doon an' crose wee the aul' wifie, gehn he wizna leukin' for something fae 'er.Bnff.(D) 1927 E. S. Rae Hansel fae Hame 46:
“Nice man” — the maister! Aye, it's ben The horn eyen he'll crack an' crose Wi' sic as you.
Hence (a) croser, n., one given to flattery (Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 32); (b) crozie, adj., flattering, “fawning, wheedling” (Bch. 1808 Jam. s.v. croise).
(2) To speak sympathetically in a whining tone (Bnff.2 1941).Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 32:
She wizna sae ill till he geed in wee a lang face, an' begood t' crose we 'ir, an' that set 'ir a greetan.
†(3) “To gossip, to talk a great deal about little, to magnify trifles, . . . often applied to those, who, in religious matters, are supposed to have more sound than solidity, who make much ado about things that are indifferent, or magnify those which are comparatively of less moment” (n.Sc. 1808 Jam., croise).
(4) “To make such a noise in the throat as infants do when pleased” (Cai. 1907 D. B. Nicolson in County of Cai. 69, croze).
2. n.
(1) “Flattery” (Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 32).
(2) “Expression of sympathy in a whining voice” (Ib.).
(3) One given to flattery.Ib.:
She's an aul' crose.
(4) Gen. in dim. crozie: applied to a child as a term of endearment (Bnff.2 1941, crozie).Mry.2 1938:
Noo' crozie, dinna greet; A'm here.
