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.
SOORN, v. Also surn. intr. To turn sour, to become putrescent (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928), Sh. 1971). Also in n.Eng. dial.; tr. to turn sour (Ib.); fig., of persons: to rot through idleness. [surn]Sh. 1899 J. Spence Folk-Lore 178:
Piltik an' sillok lay soornin' in haeps.Sh. 1968 New Shetlander No. 84. 16:
Ower trang lyin surnin i' dee bed.
