We use cookies to enhance your experience on our website. By clicking 'continue' or by continuing to use our website, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. You can change your cookie settings in your browser at any time.

Continue
Find out more

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

Hide Quotations Hide Etymology

Abbreviations Cite this entry

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

HECKAPURDES, n. Also -purdy, -pooris. [′hɛkə′pʌrdɪs, -i, -′purɪs]

1. “The state of a person, when alarmed by any sudden danger, loss or calamity, a quandry” (Ork. 1825 Jam., heckapurdes, 1866 Edm. Gl.).

2. A poor, frail creature (Ork. 1929 Marw., -purdy, -pooris, Ork. 1956).

[Orig. obscure. Cf. Heckabirnie, Heckapolo.]

14385

snd