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.
HAMSY, adj. Also hamsae, hamsie.
1. Slovenly in dress and appearance (Ork. 1929 Marw., hamsy). Of things: coarse, clumsy (Ork.5 1956, e.g. “a hamsy thread”).
2. (1) Of weather: blustery, unsettled (Ib.).
(2) Of persons: wild, erratic, irritable (Ork. 1920 J. Firth Reminisc. 152, hamsie, Ork.2 1956).Ork. 1880 Dennison Sketch-Bk. 5:
He was a hamsae, hirrum-skirrum chield.
