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.
‡KILLYVIE, n. Also kyllyvie. “A state of great alertness or excitement” (w.Sc. 1825 Jam.), a fuss, disturbance, to-do (Ayr. 1960). Also in phr. on the killyvie, on the alert. [kɪlɪ′vi]w.Sc. 1822 Blackwood's Mag. (Sept.) 315:
They were on the killyvie to see the King.Ayr. 1834 Galt Lit. Life III. 112:
The Irville hearse came for the body, and balked me of my fee, for it took him home to his own parish, and made a grand kyllyvie about his clay, just as if it had been a living human commodity.
