Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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First published 1952 (SND Vol. III).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

DEY, De, adv. Sh. equivalent of Eng. there in such constructions as de' wer' (Jak.), dey wir, there was (were), de (i)r (Angus), there are, de(y)'ll be, dill —, there will be.Sh. 1836 Gentleman's Mag. II. 590:
De wirr a hel boats-kru o' Norruk men staandin anonder da stak.Sh. 1898 “Junda” Klingrahool 6:
Dey wir no a flooer bit hitsel ta be seen In aa da wide yard sae bare.Sh. 1914 Angus Gl. 165:
De'r nen richer as da beggar.Sh. 1919 T. Manson Humours Peat Comm. II. 46:
Dill not be room i da hoose.Sh.⁷ 1934:
Dey'll som' evil beskae de yet.