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.
OVEY, n. Also ovi(e), övy. Collectively, pieces of old wood laid across the purlins in a roof under the thatch (Sh. a.1838 Jam. MSS. XII, 169, 1908 Jak. (1928), 1914 Angus Gl., Sh. 1964) [′ovi].Sh. 1897 Shetland News (14 Aug.):
He [a byre] needs new wid tü. Da couples, dwarsbauks, an' ovey is a' gaen.Sh. 1922 J. Inkster Mansie's Röd 98:
I wiz noo reddy for da rüff, bit I hae nae ovey.
Comb. ovy daek, a dam in a stream made by placing a piece of wood across it. See Deck.Sh. 1949 New Shetlander No. 16. 43:
Olie, Jeemie, Andrew and Lowrie set oot ta roond up da Sooth hill sheep fir ta be dipped . . . an quile day wir awaa, auld Joseph wis ta pit up da övy daek an maak a' things ready.
