Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1976 (SND Vol. X). Includes material from the 2005 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1991
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WHUSPER, n., v. Sc. form of Eng. whisper (Slk. 1827 Wilson Noctes Amb. (1855) I. 359; Uls. 1879 'Robin' Readings 74; Ayr. 1923 Wilson D. Burns 170; Bwk. 1942 Wettstein; Rxb. 1942 Zai). See P.L.D. §58.1. [′ʍʌspər]Sc. 1991 John McDonald in Tom Hubbard The New Makars 89:
Blaw, whusperin souch (wrackin nou the flourish).
Blaw, whusperin souch o life -
biggin an wrackin this mauchtless ghaist.
