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.
Quotation dates: 1829-1875
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TERSIE VERSIE, adj., adv. Also tarsie versie (Rxb. 1825 Jam.), tersy versy (‡Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.). Topsy turvy, upside down, in a random disorderly manner (‡Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.); walking backwards (Rxb. 1825 Jam.).Slk. 1829 Hogg Shep. Cal. (1874) ii.:
Doiting up through amang the sheep that gate putting them a' tersyversy?Dmf. 1859 W. Laing Poems 50:
Where mossy rills, amang the hills, Rin tersy versy, here and there.Slk. 1875 Border Treasury (13 Feb.) 334:
She poud out my uncle's Sunday claes a' tersie-versie.
