Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1965 (SND Vol. VI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1898
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‡LOY, adj., n., v. Also lowie (Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.), -y. [lɔɪ]
I. adj. Sluggish, inactive, lazy (Ags. 1825 Jam.). Hence loyness, inactivity (Ib.).Per. 1898 C. Spence Poems 57:
He is waxin' auld, And fat and stiff and loy.
II. n. 1. A sluggard, a fat, lazy person (Rxb. 1825 Jam., 1923 Watson W.-B.). Comb. †lowie-lebbie, one that loafs about where food is to be had (Ib.). Cf. Laib and Lo; 2. the loach, Nemacheilus barbatula, = Beardie, n.2, 2. q.v. Cf. Jam. "it is a dull fish, lying at the bottom of the water."
III. v. To loaf, lie about lazily, in ppl.adj. lowyin, idle, lounging (Ib.). See also Low, v.3
[Mid.Du. loy, Du. lui, lazy. Cf Yks. dial. loy, idle, close, of weather.]
