Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1968 (SND Vol. VII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
PEASE, int. Also pees. A call to food made to 1. a tame pigeon (Cld. 1825 Jam., Per. 1903 E.D.D.; Rs., Inv., m. and s.Sc. 1965). Also peasie, id. (Sc. 1909 Colville 148; Per., Kcb. 1965), pease-pod (Fif. 1965).
Hence peasie(-doo), a child's name for a pigeon (Ayr. 1923 Wilson D. Burns 178, Bte. 1930); peeser, an unfledged pigeon (Cai. 1903 E.D.D.); 2. a calf (Cld. 1825 Jam.; Ayr. 1965).
[Orig. uncertain. Phs. in the case of 1. at least, from Pease, n., as pigeon food. 2. may be due to confusion with Pree, int., Proo.]
