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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1965 (SND Vol. VI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

LEERY-LOONIE, n.comb. A lunatic, a mentally-deranged person.Lnk. 1895 W. Stewart Lilts 76, 83:
Dod, I've often heard o' safties, Leery-loonies, donnert dafties. … My heid has bizz'd, an' fizzed, an' dizz'd Like leery loon lunatic's.

[Appar. a misconception of slang leerie, sly, wide-awake, cunning, + loonie, a lunatic.]

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