Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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About this entry:
First published 1971 (SND Vol. VIII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1956
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SNOOIE, n., v. Also snuie and uncompounded form snu (Marw.). [snu(i), Ork. snøu]
I. n. A sudden jerk or toss of the head, esp. of a refractory cow, or as a sign of illtemper or disdain (Cai. 1928; Ork. 1929 Marw.; Cai. 1971).Cai. 1956:
'E coo gev a snooie an jerked hir horn too oot o ma han.
II. v. Of cattle: to toss the head as if displeased (Cai. 1907 J. Horne County Cai. 85, Cai. 1971).
[Dim. form from snu, Norw. dial. snu(a), turn, twist, O.N. snúðr, a turn, snúa, to twist.]
