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.
SLEEPERY, adj. Also -ie, sleeprie, -y. Inclined to sleep, somnolent, sleepy (Sc. 1808 Jam.; Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B., Rxb. 1970). Also in n.Eng. dial. Hence sleepriness, sleepiness.Sc. c.1802 Scott Minstrelsy I. 186:
Sleep'ry Sim of the Lamb-hill, . . . My wae wakens na you.Sc. 1815 Scott Guy M. iii.:
If you . . . are not very sleepry.Rxb. 1876 W. Brockie Confessional 182:
I'm sleeprie, an' worn out, an' tyert, an' trasht.Bwk. 1898 Border Mag. (May) 90:
We . . . found Mrs. Richardson busy with household work, just — as she said — “tae fecht again sleepriness”.Rxb. 1925 E. C. Smith Mang Howes 2:
A cood fain heh daikert aboot in sleepery Bosells.
