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.
PIRR, n.3 Also purr (Edm.), pur.
1. The codling (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl., 1908 Jak. (1928), Sh. 1966).Sh. 1947 Sh. Folk Bk. I. 71:
We'd crooners an' flukes, olicks an' purs.
2. Gen. in dim. pirrie, the year-old coalfish, Gadus virens (Abd. 1930).Abd. 1965 Fraserburgh Herald (1 Oct.) 4:
I fish for pirries off the rocks, from early morn till late.
3. “Anything very small of its kind” (Sh. 1914 Angus Gl., purr).
[Norw. perr, pir, a small fish.]
