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.
KIRVIE, n. Also kirvi, kervi. A certain quantity of straw, grass or rushes; a truss (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl., 1914 Angus Gl.; Rxb. 1960). Also fig. a gathering or crowd of people (Rxb. 1960). [′kervi, ′kɪrvi]Sh. 1899 J. Spence Folk-Lore 179:
He sits by the round fire, with a baet o' gloy or a kirvie o' floss, winding it may be simmonds or gurdastöries for his maeshies and rivakessies.
