We use cookies to enhance your experience on our website. By clicking 'continue' or by continuing to use our website, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. You can change your cookie settings in your browser at any time.

Continue
Find out more

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

Hide Quotations Hide Etymology

Abbreviations Cite this entry

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

DREEF, n. A large number, a crowd, a drove, a shoal (Ork.2 1949). Dim. dreefle (Cai. 1911 John o' Groat Jnl. (24 Feb.), Cai.9 1949). Cf. Drave.Ork. 1929 Marw.:
What a dreef o' sillos (young coal-fish) tae dite (gut)! They (there) war (was) sic a dreef o' folk in the shop at I could no win near the counter.

[Cf. O.N. drífa, to crowd, throng, Norw. drift, a drove.]

9684

snd