Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1952 (SND Vol. III). Includes material from the 1976 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
DIRTRIE, Dirtery, n.coll.
1. A collective term, used contemptuously to denote a number of worthless, good-for-nothing people (Slk. 1825 Jam.2; Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.).Gall. 1901 Trotter Gall. Gossip 143:
An yesterday mornin, the holy Sabbath mornin, the dirtery had a notish pastit on the door-cheek.
2. “Worthless stuff; ‘rubbish'” (Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.). Lth. 1857 Misty Morning 43:
Ony o yer cursed lances, or ither haglin' dirtry.
