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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1968 (SND Vol. VII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

PRY, v. To move by the application of leverage, prize. Gen.(exc. I.)Sc. Also in Eng. and U.S. dial.w.Sc. 1917 H. Foulis Jimmy Swan 91:
When I'm in Kirkfinn, the Boots at the Inn has to pry open my door wi' an iron pinch to waken me.

[A back-formation of prize, used also as a n. in Eng. dial., = lever, crowbar, and taken as a pl. Cf. pea < Pease.]

21447

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