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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1952 (SND Vol. III).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

DIVVISH, v. Also divvis, divvadge. To set in order, tidy, to arrange or finish anything properly, to prepare food for the table (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl., divvadge; 1914 Angus Gl.). Gen. in adj. comb. ill-divvis(he)d, -divvadged, carelessly prepared or executed, slovenly (Ib.); “of forbidding appearance” (Ork. 1929 Marw., -divvisd).Sh. 1900 E.D.D.:
In common use here, but never heard without some modifying word, such as “ill” or “rightly.” “This is no rightly divvished.”
Sh.11 1949:
“Lass, divvish dysel,” Girl, tidy yourself.

[Prob. variants of Eng. devise, to plan: cf. obs. Eng. sense of “to prepare with skill, make ready.”]

9255

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