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.
RENYE, v., n. Also renzie; ranyie (Marw.).
I. v., intr. To writhe in pain (Ork. 1845 Stat. Acc.2 XV. 96); tr. to wring, excruciate, rack with pain. Hence ppl.adj. renyean, twinging, racking, painful.Ork. 1880 Dennison Sketch-Bk. 38, 111:
An' aye sheu gae paercin' skreeks, that . . . wur eneuch tae renye the hert . . . The renyean rhumatis wad light On me fae tap tae tae.
II. n. A pang, sharp twinge of pain (Ork. 1929 Marw.).
[Norw., O.N. rengja, Dan. vrænge, to twist, distort, from O.N. rangr, adj., awry, distorted, etc.]
