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.
Quotation dates: 1824, 1962
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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.
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"Pie v.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 9 Apr 2026 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/pie_v>
