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.
EERISH, adj., n. A w.Sc. form of Irish, adj. and n. [′i:rɪʃ]wm.Sc. 1868 Laird of Logan 559:
After they had sairt themselves wi' me, they selt me to an Eerish broker.Ayr. 1887 J. Service Dr Duguid 183–184:
A living torrent of Eerish and tacketed vulgarity . . . rolls up the centre of the street.Gall. 1901 Trotter Gall. Gossip 19:
Talk aboot the Eerish! They're naething tae the Kyloes.
Hence Eerisher, Eerishman, Irishman.Sc. 1828 Wilson Noctes Amb. (1855) II. 165:
Lang-armed and roun'-shouthered though the race o' Eerishers be.Ayr. 1887 J. Service Dr Duguid 180:
A constant stream of callans and lassocks . . . and labouring Eerishmen red with clay, passing up and doon.
