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.
PRECEESE, adj., adv. Also preceeze (Sc. 1816 Scott O. Mortality xxxix.; Abd. 1926 Abd. Univ. Review (March) 111), perceeze (Rxb. 1954 Hawick News (18 June) 7). Sc. forms and usages of Eng. precise. [prə′si:z]
I. adj. 1. As in Eng. (Sc. 1822 Scott F. Nigel v.; Abd. 1865 G. MacDonald Alec Forbes xx.), sometimes for added emphasis placed after the n. qualified, as in 1824 quot. Hence preceesely, preceezely, adv., precisely, exactly (Edb. 1828 D. M. Moir Mansie Wauch xv.; Abd. 1871 W. Alexander Johnny Gibb iv.).Sc. 1824 Scott Redgauntlet Letter xi.:
There was a summons from the ground-officer to come wi' the rent on a day preceese, or else Steenie behoved to flit.
2. Special, particular, noteworthy.Sc. 1819 Scott Bride of Lamm. xii.:
I'm in a preceese hurry.
II. adv. Exactly, precisely (Gal. 1903 E.D.D.). Gen.Sc. Obs. in Eng. in 16th c.Fif. 1827 W. Tennant Papistry Storm'd 23:
He lichts, preceese at aucht o'clock, On Crail's auld steeple's weather cock.Bnff. 1887 W. M. Philip Covedale ii.:
She measured oot a'thing sae preceese doon to the puckle o' sugar and drappie milk.
