Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

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.

IRR, v. 1. Of dogs: to snarl, growl (Cai. 1958). Used fig. in quot.Sc. 1711 J. Kirkwood Hist. 27 Gods Lnl. 55:
A long and hot Bickering betwixt the two Bailies, grinning and irring one against the other, like two Mastiffs.

2. To call a dog to chase or hunt its quarry (Gall. 1824 MacTaggart Gallov. Encycl. 281; Arg. c.1895 per wm.Sc.¹). Hence irr, irrnowt, int., calls to a dog to pursue cattle (Upp. Lnk. 1825 Jam.).