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.
KURRIE, adj., int. Also kurry, kurri (Angus), currie, korri. [′kʌre]
I. adj. Pretty, dear, lovable (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl.; I.Sc. 1960), neat, tidy (Sh. 1914 Angus Gl.).Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928):
My piri korri ting! my sweet little honey!Sh. 1932 J. M. E. Saxby Trad. Lore 119:
His sweetheart is a “currie-ting”, slight of figure, with soft blue eyes.
II. int. An expression of pity or sympathy, in phr. O currie, currie!, Oh dear! (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl.). Cf. Kaer.
[Prob. imit. of a caressing or soothing sound. Cf. Norw. dial. kurr, pet-name for a sheep, O.N. kurra, to murmur.]