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.
WHEESH, v. Sc. form of Eng. whish, to make a whizzing, rushing sound (ne.Sc. 1974). See also Whush. [ʍiʃ]
Sc. usages: (1) in ppl.adj. wheeshin, very large or impressive of its kind, “whopping” (Bwk. 1942 Wettstein); agent n. wheesher, a large specimen of anything (Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.; Bwk. 1942 Wettstein; Slg., em.Sc. (b), wm.Sc., Wgt. 1974); (2) to drive (cattle), sc. with cries of “whish!”(2) Sh. 1913 Old-Lore Misc. VI. iii. 136:
The now practically isolated mass of rock known as the Sheep Craig, but which about that period was connected with the island, and the natives “wheeshed der bes'” (drove their cattle) there to feed in summer.
