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.
Quotation dates: 1824-1898
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SPY, v. As in Eng. Sc. combs., phr. and derivs.: 1. high spy, see Hi-spy; 2. spiesman, a salmon fisher posted to keep watch on the movements of fish in a river (Sc. 1825 J. Mitchell Scotsman's Library 155); 3. spy-ann, see quot. and cf. 1. and 6.; 4. spy-glass, a magnifying or reading glass; 5. spy-knowe, a small hill used as a vantage- or observationpoint; 6. spyo = 1.; 7. spy-wife, an inquisitive woman.3. Gall. 1824 MacTaggart Gallov. Encycl. 435:
Spy-ann: a game of hide and seek, with this difference, that when those are found who are hid, the finder cries spyann; and if the one discovered can catch the discoverer, he has a ride upon his back to the dools.4. Per. 1883 R. Cleland Inchbracken xi.:
I have lost my gold spy-glass. I shall never be able to read my psalm-book on Sunday.5. Ayr. 1847 J. Paterson Ballads II. 112:
On the green spy knowe a watch was kept To guard him and his men.6. Ags. 1896 Barrie Sentimental Tommy xiv.:
Spyo, smuggle bools, or whatever game was in season.6. Rnf. 1898 J. M. Henderson Kartdale 97:
That's just like the spy-wives there are about, to watch a young man's every movement.
