Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1976 (SND Vol. X).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
¶BURGEE, n. See quot.:Ags. 1882 J. M. Beatts Reminiscences Dundonian (Ser. 1) 96:
The Town Council of the day [1827] refused to ratify the choice of the Guildry, on the ground that Mr Kay was not properly qualified, he not being a burgess of the town for posterity, but only for life, and therefore what was termed a burgee.
[Appar. a modified form of burgess, poss. influenced by Fr. bourgeois. The word is not otherwise authenticated.]
