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.
GURR, n.2 1. “A rough knotty stick or tree” (Ags. 1808 Jam.), anything short and thick (Rnf. 1837 Crawfurd MSS. XI. 311).
2. A strong, thick-set, ungainly person (Rnf. 1837 Crawfurd MSS. XI. 311; Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 71; Bnff.2, Abd.8 1940): “the word conveys the idea of a stubborn temper” (Gregor).
[Orig. prob. mainly echoic, but cf. Gael. geàrr, short, squat, thick-set and Garron, n.1]
