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.
WHEERNY, n. Also wheerney. [′ʍirni]
1. A very gentle breeze (Ork. 1825 Jam., 1866 Edm. Gl., wheerney).
2. A rumour, inkling (Ork. 1929 Marw.).
[Orig. doubtful, phs. dim. form of whirrin vbl.n. of whirr, to buzz.]