Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
Hide Quotations Hide Etymology
About this entry:
First published 1976 (SND Vol. X).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
DOVIE(S), n. In marbles, the act of standing with the heels together to stop the opponent's marble if it misses the marble aimed at. e.g. “Gie's a dovie.” The player could call on his opponent for “Dovies!” (Abd. 1910–50). [′dʌvi(z)] [Poss. dim. form of dove, the outspread feet resembling the wings of a dove in flight.]
