Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
Hide Quotations Hide Etymology
About this entry:
First published 1971 (SND Vol. VIII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
SPIAE, n. Also spje, spyea (Sh. 1904 E.D.D.), spae, spe.
‡1. Derision, scorn, disparaging talk, mockery (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl., 1908 Jak. (1928), spe, spje, Sh. 1971).Sh. 1893 Sinclair MS. 4:
Du's only mackin spiae wi dy vyld skimp.
2. A fool, buffoon (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928), 1914 Angus Gl., spae).
[Norw. dial., Icel. spe, mock, mockery, spea, to mock, deride.]
