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.
POTTERNEESHIN, n. Also -un. A state of ruin or chaos, a mess, shambles, gen. in phr. to gae to potterneeshin, to get into a state of ruination, “go to the dogs” (Abd. 1966).Abd. 1913 D. Scott Hum. Sc. Stories 51:
Ye ken this while back Glenscutterach's been gaun a' ta potterneeshun wi' fitba.Abd. 1922 Swatches o' Hamespun 49:
Fin ye see a' thing gaun t' potterneeshin, ye canna help lattin' flist.
