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.
VERDIE, n. Also verdi, virdi (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928)); vairdie (Sh. 1973); vaardie. A spoken formula or a ritual action which is supposed to bring luck, a charm, superstition.Sh. 1879 Shetland Times (29 March):
Doo's noo turned da adge o' da verdie against dysel'.Sh. 1938 I. B. S. Holborn Foula 124:
After the religious revival of a generation ago, it was considered wrong to repeat these “vaardies”, especially to children.Sh. 1972 New Shetlander No. 100. 6:
Mony a strange thing da aald folk said, An' mony a vairdie eence dey hed!
