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.
Quotation dates: 1890-1924
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'EY, pron. n. and ne.Sc. form of Eng. they (Abd.15 1880–1940, Abd.27 1950). For similar dropping of initial th in pronominals in n.Sc. see P.L.D. §158.Cai. 1890 J. Sinclair Scenes and Stories 194:
The Sinclairs hae had a' 'e honours in Caitness 'is mony a day, an 'ey can tak' 'at wi' 'e lave.Abd. 1924 J. Wight in Swatches 74:
Aw gat 'em fae Dauvit's muckle dother, fin she wis oot at the trips; an' awyte, 'ey're rale gweed an' strong.
