Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1974 (SND Vol. IX). Includes material from the 2005 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
SWEESH, n., v., adv. Also swush (Dmf. 1912 J. L. Waugh Robbie Doo 47). Sc. forms of Eng. swish, (to make) a hissing or splashing sound, to whistle, a wind, a dash of water, with a hiss or splash, etc. (Ags. 1855 “Robin” Rimes 48, 1894 J. B. Salmond My Man Sandy (1899) 69; Arg. 1896 N. Munro Lost Pibroch (1935) 113, Dmf. 1898 J. Paton Castlebraes 100; Fif. 1909 J. C. Craig Sangs o' Bairns 134; Sc. 1926 H. M'Diarmid Drunk Man 16, 1929 Scots Mag. (May) 148; Cai. 1961 “Castlegreen” Tatties an' Herreen 36; Sh., Cai., Ags., Kcb. 1972).Abd. 2000 Sheena Blackhall The Singing Bird 46:
The muckle beeches sooch an sweesh an swee.
Auld bodachs news aneth their reeshlin leaves;
Littlins toss breid tae spurgies neth the eaves:
