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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1976 (SND Vol. X).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Quotation dates: 1908-1929

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WHIRM, v. Also hwirm, hwerm (Jak.); quirm (Edm.). [ʍɪrm, kwɪrm]

1. intr. To disappear, to vanish quickly and suddenly (Sh. a.1838 Jam. MSS. XI. 228, Sh. 1974).Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928):
He hwermd ut o' my sight.

2. tr. To cause to disappear; to spirit away, to take away quickly and mysteriously (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928), 1914 Angus Gl., Sh. 1974). Gen. in pass.Ork. 1929 Old-Lore Misc. IX. ii. 77:
Sheu waas whirmed awa at aince, back till da Bad Piece.

[Orig. somewhat uncertain, prob. to be connected with Norw. kverva, to turn round, to take away, remove, shrink, O.N. hverfa, to turn, to vanish, but the m is unexplained.]

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