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.
PIE, v. Also py(e). To peer closely (Gall., Slk. 1825 Jam.), to cock the head and look with one eye, to squint (Cld. 1825 Jam.); “like a dog when he sees ground a stirring with a mole in it” (Gall. 1824 MacTaggart Gallov. Encycl. 381). Ppl.adj. pied, of the eyes: squinting, crossed, peering. Phr. to pie about, to pry around, to poke about curiously (Sc. 1825 Jam.). Comb. pie-eyed, cross-eyed, having a squint (wm.Sc.2 1965), gen. as a result of intoxication (Kcd., wm.Sc. 1965). [pɑe]Gall. 1824 MacTaggart Gallov. Encycl. 412:
The twasome pied down on the cauld sneep snaw, Wi' the sorry hauf striffen'd e'e.Sh. 1962 New Shetlander No. 60. 16:
By noo baith een wir pied.
