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.
‡PREESE, v., n. Also prees; preest, priest. See also Press.
I. v. 1. To apply or use pressure, to press (Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.).
2. To strain at stool (e.Lth. a.1900, preest).Bnff. 1930:
I think I'll gee that caafie some ile; I've noticed it preesin aa foreneen.
II. n. 1. A large gathering of people, a crowd, “press” (Rxb. 1825 Jam., prees).
2. “A strong but ineffectual inclination to go to stool” (Rxb. 1825 Jam., priest). Cf. praiss, id., s.v. Press.
[O.Sc. prese, v., to bear heavily on (in battle), 1375, a crowd, a.1400, preise, an act of pressing, effort, 1513, Mid.Eng. prees, a long vowel variant of press.]
