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.
†PEYS AUNT, n. The phosphorescence sometimes seen around a ship's masts after a storm, St. Elmo's fire.Abd. 1885 Folk-Lore Jnl. III. 306:
St. Elmo's light is called by the old fishermen of Footdee “Peys Aunt.”
