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.
HISHIE, n., v. Also hushie.
I. n. A very quiet sound, a whisper; gen. in neg.phr. neither hishie nor wishie, hushie or whishie, not the slightest sound (Fif. 1825 Jam., Fif. 1957).Sc. 1814 C. I. Johnstone Saxon & Gael I. 33:
Jeanie ne'er let on hushie or whishie o' your visit.Fif. 1864 W. D. Latto T. Bodkin viii.:
I durstna budge oot o' the bit, nor mak' either hishie or wishie, for fear o' back-fear.Sc. 1933 W. Soutar Seeds in the Wind 30:
Ilka tree stans dozent, an' the wind withoot a hishie Fitters in atween the fleurs an' shogs them, ane be ane.
II. v. To lull to sleep; to sing a lullaby (w.Sc. 1825 Jam., hushie; Sc. 1911 S.D.D.; m.Lth. 1957).
[Onomat. Dim. from Hish, int.2 or Eng. (hu)sh, keep silent!]
