Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1974 (SND Vol. IX).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
STEERIE, adj. Also steery. Lively, bustling, full of high spirits and fun; of places: crowded, busy (n.Sc., em.Sc. (a), Rxb. 1971).Ayr. 1842 Children in Trades Report ii. i 23:
The teerers are often very “steery” and fond of making a noise.Edb. 1866 J. Smith Merry Bridal 190:
See ye the toun, a' sae steery an' thrang?Ags. 1903 W. Allan Love & Labour 95:
Our capers, trieks, an' steerie noise.Sc. 1932 A. Muir Beginning the Adventure 205:
He's been a steery lad, ower fond of dizzy-dandying awa' to Paris.Ags. 1948 J. C. Rodger Mary Ann 38:
Fa'ever sleeps aneth this twilt'll hae some steerie draims.
Comb. steeri(e)fyke, n., confused bustle, agitation, excitement. See Fyke.Ags. 1828 Dundee Advertiser (31 Jan.):
This rais'd an unco steery-fyke An' brought the Tories frae their bike.Ags. 1864 W. D. Latto T. Bodkin xxiv.:
Wha wad hae thocht that the warld wad put itsel' into sic a steeriefyke.Per. 1878 R. Ford Hamespun Lays 12:
His Reverence notes the steerie-fyke.Sc. 1933 D. K. Broster Wild Almond xxiv.:
This hoose that's had its fill o' steeryfykes already wi' searchings and red coats.
