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: 1824
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OOZLIE, adj. Also ozelly (Jam.).
1. Slovenly, untidy, unkempt, dirty (Kcb. 1900). Also in Nhb. dial.Gall. 1824 MacTaggart Gallov. Encycl. 367:
A person is said to be oozlie looking, when he has on a long beard, unbrushed clothes, and dirty shoes.
Hence (1) oozily, adv., in a befuddled and slovenly manner; (2) oozlieness, n., slovenliness, laziness (Sc. 1880 Jam.).(1) Gall. 1824 MacTaggart Gallov. Encycl. 79:
Wi' dancing and drinking, the night slided by, . . . And mony a drunken chiel ouzily did ly.
2. Dark-complexioned, swarthy (Lth. 1808 Jam.).
[Cf. Mid.Eng. usell, wretched, miserable. O.N. úsæll, unhappiness, úsælligr, poor-looking.]
