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.
‡GURTHIE, adj. Also gurthy; gurdy.
1. Corpulent, fat, large of girth (Sc. 1882 Mackay Poetry and Humour Sc. Lang. 116; ‡Fif., m.Lth. 1955). Also fig.Sc. 1827 W. Motherwell Minstrelsy Intro. lxxiv.:
In 1784, a gurdy little volume was published at Hawick.Lnl. 1881 H. Shanks Musings 237:
A spotless apron, pure and white, Hangs gaily owre his gurdy kyte.Fif. 1901 “G. Setoun” Skipper of Barncraig iv.:
I canna agree that it has the fine gurthy sound o' Philosophy, or even the full meanin'.
2. Heavy, oppressive; “applied especially to what burdens the stomach” (Fif. 1825 Jam., Fif. 1955). Also fig.Sc.(E) 1913 H. P. Cameron Imit. of Christ ii. xii.:
Gin ye fling awa' ae cross, dootless ye'll fin' anither an' aiblins a gurthier ane.
