Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1976 (SND Vol. X).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
WE, pron. Also wee; wa (em.Sc. (a) 1905 E.D.D.), wey (s.Sc. 1873 D.S.C.S. 187). Sc. forms and usages. See also Oo and Us. [wi; unstressed wə; s.Sc. wəi]
1. In forms we's(e), wees, representing we s(all), we shall. See Sall, v.Abd. 1768 A. Ross Helenore (S.T.S.) 41:
We's hae you marry'd now afore lang days.Lnk. a.1779 D. Graham Writings (1883) II. 31:
An wees be ready to tak the road again Torryburn daylight.Edb. 1821 W. Liddle Poems 218:
Wese tak our crack and bend the bicker.Bnff. 1847 A. Cumming Tales 5:
Thus, we's conclude.Abd. 1928 Weekly Jnl. (6 Dec.) 2:
We'se pit a spunk tae the pipe an' set awa.
2. Used for the objective case us (Ork., em.Sc. (a) 1973). Also in Eng. dial.Ork. 1920 J. Firth Reminisc. 158:
Here's health tae ye and yers For being so kind to we and wiz.Ags. 1951 Forfar Dispatch (22 Feb.):
We say ‘we' when we ought to say ‘us', ‘wir ' for ‘our ', ‘wirsels ' for ‘ourselves ', and ‘hez' whiles for ‘us'. ‘Ee comin' wi' we?' — ‘Are you coming with us?'
