Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
Hide Quotations Hide Etymology
About this entry:
First published 1956 (SND Vol. IV).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
FERRY, v., n. Also farra. Sc. forms of Eng. farrow.
I. v. To litter, bring forth (Sh.10, Ork.5, Bnff.2, Ags.19, m.Lth.1 1946). See P.L.D. § 48.1.Dmf. 1847 R. Chambers Pop. Rhymes 222:
The soo was soon to farra, and she hopit for a good bairn-time.Fif. 1864 W. D. Latto T. Bodkin vi.:
“Hoo auld is the beastie?” “Ferryt at the beginnin' o' the ait-seed.” [1894 ed. has farryt.]
II. n. A litter of pigs (Sc. 1818 Sawers). Hence comb. ferry sow, a sow with young.Fif. 1864 W. D. Latto T. Bodkin viii.:
My mither was at hame waitin' on a ferry sow that was expeckit to need her assistance belyve.
