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.
PISS, int., n., v. Also pis, pees(tie), pisk.
I. int. A call-name to a cat or kitten (Dmf. 1933–5 Trans. Dmf. & Gall. Antiq. Soc. 327, pees; Sh. (piss-piss, peestie), Cai., em.Sc.(a), wm.Sc., Wgt., Uls. 1966), to a dog (Ork. 1929 Marw., Ork. 1965); a cry to chase off a cat or dog (Cai. 1966). Phrs. pis tack it!, pisue!, id. (Cai. 1966). See Tak, Shoo. Deriv. pisker, a pet-name for a puppy (Ags. 1958).Lnk. a.1779 D. Graham Writings (1883) II. 229:
When we cry pisue, they ran awa' hame to Muir-edge.Rnf. 1837 Crawfurd MSS. XI. 322:
His mother cried Pistack it. But pousie continued still. Allan let fly his bonnet at it, saying the bonnet is worth twenty pistacks it.Cai. 1903 E.D.D.:
During the prayer the cat began to lap at a bowl of milk in the room, and one of those on their knees said Piss! Piss!! Piss!!!Sh. 1909 Shetland News (3 Feb.):
Pis, pis, pussy, come dee wis here.Sh. 1959:
We would often say as children: Poor kittie! talking to hens; poor kussie! to cows; poor geesie! to pigs; poor peestie! or poor poorie! to cats.
II. n. A pampered weakling, often as a pet-name (Ork. 1929 Marw.).
III. v. To incite a dog to attack (Cai., Abd., Dmb. 1966).Cai. 1903 E.D.D.:
To piss a dog at one.
