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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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First published 1956 (SND Vol. IV).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

GAMALEERIE, -REERIE, adj., n. Also gammereerie.

I. adj. 1. Of clumsy build, tall, large-boned and long-necked, hence awkward, gawky (Sc. 1808 Jam., gamareerie: Per., Fif. 1825 Jam., -leerie).Fif. 1895 “S. Tytler” Macdonald Lass v.:
Flora in her habit, was femininity and modesty itself, contrasted with the bold “gamaleerie” aspect of her maid.

2. Foolish (Fif. 1825 Jam.).

II. n. A foolish, clumsy person (Per. Ib.; Fif. 1953).Ags. 1880 J. E. Watt Poet. Sk. 23:
An' ae big gawkit gammereerie The stroup dang frae the maskin'-pat.

[Phs. a corruption of Gomeril + -leerie as in Goukmaleerie, etc.]

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"Gamaleerie adj., n.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 7 Nov 2024 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/gamaleerie>

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