Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1960 (SND Vol. V).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
HAIRRY, n. Sc. form of the Eng. Christian name Harry, also †Hary, used in Sc. in phrs. (1) auld Hairry, as a name for the devil (Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B. 44; Sh., ne.Sc., Ags., m.Lth., Rxb., Uls. 1956). Cf. colloq. Eng. Old —, id.; (2) blin(d) Hairry, the game of blind-man's-buff (Ags. 1956). See also Blin', adj., 4. (15).(1) Edb. 1895 J. Tweeddale Moff 56:
It would play “auld Hairry” wi' the Free.(2) Edb. 1720 A. Pennecuik Helicon 78:
So Geordie and we, fell to play at blind Hary. Geordie gigled and leugh ay, whan I was ta'n.
