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.
HEIDIECRA, n. Also headycraw (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl.); headi(e)- (Sh. 1899 Shetland News (21 Jan.)); heddicra'; headikraa (Sh. 1914 Angus Gl.). A somersault (Sh. 1956). Also used adv. with verbs of motion = head over heels (Sh. a.1838 Jam. MSS. XII. 106). Cf. Curley-head-a-craw.Sh. 1899 J. Spence Folk-Lore 240:
I toucht dat I dang mi fit in a peerie toog, an' awa' I tumbled headicraw ower da banks.Sh. 1949 New Shetlander No. 19. 34:
He wisna won weel past wis when he laanded ida right haand stank an gings heidie-cra ower da frunt o it.
