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.
VEECIOUS, adj. Also veeshous (Sh. 1879 Shetland Times (12 April)), veeshyis (Rxb. 1925 E. C. Smith Mang Howes 5); veiciuss. Sc. forms and usage of Eng. vicious (Sc. 1893 Stevenson Catriona i.). See P.L.D. § 45. Of weather: severe, inclement (Cld. 1880 Jam.), also adv. (Per. 1896 I. Maclaren Auld Lang Syne 282, veecious cauld). For another form and usage see Vitious.m.Sc. 1902 J. Buchan Watcher by Threshold vii.:
The weather seemed more vicious than ever.Sc. 1995 David Purves Hert's Bluid 9:
"
... A wadna blame the maister, mynd,
for giein him a
wee bit pandie,
nou an than, the tymes he wants
it,
but Jek, this man's fair
veiciuss,
an lethers bairns for nocht ava."
