Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1971 (SND Vol. VIII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1820
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SHEER, adj.1, v.
I. adj. Sc. usage: waggish, tricky. Phr. a sheer dog, a wag (Sc. 1825 Jam.). See also Shire, adj. It is not certain that this is the application in the following quot. where sheer may be a misprint for Skeer, restive, of a horse, q.v.Kcd. 1820 E. Tevendale Poems 15:
In cart or plough, was never backward Like sulky nag, that's sheer and awkward.
II. v. To pour off a liquid, esp. to pour the top and leave the dregs (Ayr. 1921 T.S.D.C.; Lnk. 1970). Hence sheerings, the liquid poured off from steeped Sowans (Rs., Crm. 1921 T.S.D.C.). See also Shire, v.
[Sheer, orig. = clear, pure, is from Mid.Eng. schere, a by-form of Shire, adj., v., q.v. For II. cf. Mid.Eng. schere, to make pure, of water: to run clear.]You may wish to vary the format shown below depending on the citation style used.
"Sheer adj.1, v.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 14 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/sheer_adj1_v>
