Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
Hide Quotations Hide Etymology
About this entry:
First published 1952 (SND Vol. III).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
'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.
