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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1960 (SND Vol. V).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

HECKABIRNIE, n. “Any lean, feeble creature” (Ork. 1825 Jam., 1866 Edm. Gl.).Sh. 1908 Old-Lore Misc. I. viii. 313:
Am naething bit a puir heckabirnie noo, bit dis oy is me heck.

[From Heck, n.2 Cf. Heckapolo, Heckapurdes, q.v. Phs. confused in form with Hecklebirnie.]

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