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.

DREARY-, DREARI-. In adj. derivs. drearifu, drearysome, sad, dreary (Bnff.² 1940; Abd., Ags., Per. 1949 (per Abd.²⁷), Edb.¹ 1940). Also in Yks. and Nhp. dial.Mry. 1806 R. Jamieson Pop. Ballads I. 297:
Three nichts i' this drearifu manner Frae Habbie she keepit abeich.Abd. 1768 A. Ross Rock and wee pickle Tow vi.:
Yet in spite o' my counsel if they will needs run The drearysome risk of the spinning o't.

Hence drearysomeness, desolateness, dreariness (Bnff.², Abd.²⁷ 1940).Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 223:
The drearysomeness o' the place is jist something beyon' the beyont.