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.
WHISS, v.1, n.1 [ʍɪs]
I. v. To whisper (Ork. 1929 Marw.; I.Sc. 1974).Ork. 1908 Old-Lore Misc. I. viii. 325:
A peerie bit o' a boy sittan ahint 'im whissed “dust and ashes.”Sh. 1961 New Shetlander No. 57. 24:
Whissed John in Geordie's eager lug.
II. n. A whisper (Ork. 1929 Marw.).
[Norw. dial., O.N. kvisa, to whisper, gossip, O.N. kvis, a rumour, tattle.]
