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.
PRY, n.1 Also prie (Slk. 1823 Blackwood's Mag. (Feb.) 177). One or other of the various species of the Carex or sedge, common in the southern counties of Scotland and much used for sheep-feeding (Rxb. 1798 R. Douglas Agric. Rxb. 108, Peb. 1835 Trans. Highl. Soc. 120; Dmf. 1896 Garden Wk. CXIV. 112). Comb. pry-hay, hay made from shear-grass or pry. Obs. in Eng. [prae]Slk. 1807 Hogg Shepherd's Guide 155:
If the land be a mixture of white-seeded bent, and prie, it is the better of being drained.Dmf. 1812 W. Singer Agric. Dmf. 321:
The sheep farmer finds that his flock derives important benefits from the pasture of his turf bogs, where the evergreen carex (pry) abounds.Sc. 1884 Trans. Highl. Soc. 258:
The “pry” hay of some districts is made from sedges.Sc. 1890 H. Stephens Bk. Farm IV. 437:
In September and October, “prie” and “stool-bent” come up.
