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.
PIECE, n.2 I.Sc. form of Eng. pace, in phr. pit to one's pieces, put on one's mettle, thrown back on one's resources, reduced to an extreme of exhaustion, hunger, or the like. See P.L.D. § 164.2.Sh. 1958 New Shetlander No. 46. 13:
Da second day, hooever, pat him till his pieces, for what wi da want o sleep an wirkin da maist o da night he felt dat disjaskit at he could hardly dö a haand's turn.
