Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
Hide Quotations Hide Etymology
About this entry:
First published 1976 (SND Vol. X).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
WHY, n. Variant form of Quoy, used jocularly in quot. for the enclosed pew below the pulpit in the older style of church building, in which the elders sit at Communion (Ork. 1974). For the form see W, letter, 1.(2)(ii) and for the sense Pumphal, n., 2., Reenge, n.1, 3.Ork. 1908 Old-Lore Misc. I. viii. 324:
Da neest chrisnan Sunday sheu merched ap till da elder's why wi' peerie Tam anunder her oxter.
