Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1960 (SND Vol. V). Includes material from the 2005 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
†HEARY, He(a)rie, Heery, n. An expression of endearment used by married couples to each other, equivalent to “my dear”; “still used by some old women” (Sc. 1808 Jam.); also employed when addressing a female inferior (Dmf. 1825 Jam., heery).Abd. 1768 A. Ross Helenore 14:
My father first did at my mither speer, Heary, is Nory fifteen out the year? [Ib. 109, hearie.]Abd. 1768 Alexander Ross Helenore 113:
Say Calon then, Come heary gees a sang,
An' let's be hearty wi' the blythsome thrang.Lnk. c.1779 D. Graham Writings (1883) II. 13:
An wha think ye guidman? . . . A what wat I herie, an she please hersel, am pleas'd already.m.Lth. 1965:
Pass the salt, my heary.
