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.
‡DRIZZEN, v. and n. Also drizen, †dris(e)n.
1. v. To make a low plaintive sound as a cow does when hungry (Abd.15 1950; Ags. 1808 Jam.; Uls. 1892 Ballymena Obs., drisen, 1924 “Peadar” in North. Whig (8 Jan.)); to moan (Mry.1 1925). Also used fig. of persons, esp. of “a lazy person groaning over his work” (w.Sc. 1808 Jam.). Ppl.adj. drizzenin, drisning.Bnff. 1869 W. Knight Auld Yule 119:
Ae nicht as I my beasts pat i' the fauld, Ahind my back I heard a drizzenin soun'.Abd. after 1768 A. Ross Fortunate Shepherd in MS. Wks. III. 113:
But they resolve that they wou'd wait awee Ere to sick drisning cures they subject be.Abd. 1905 Bnffsh. Jnl. (18 April) 7:
Auld Archie cuttin girse an' drizzenin' In house or plantin'.Kcb.4 1900:
A cow is said to drizzen when she lows in a subdued tone over her new-born calf.
Hence drizzener, a slow and low speaker (Id.).
2. n. A lowing (of cattle).Abd. 1904 Abd. Wkly. Free Press (19 March):
I heard a cow give what we call a “drizzen”, after risin'.Abd. 1923 R. L. Cassie Heid or Hert xvii.:
She waunert in at a little yettie. . . . Leukin' up, she saw her fader's muckle reid bull . . . gie'in ull-naitert drizens.
