Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1960 (SND Vol. V).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
KY, v. Also kye, kie. [kai]
1. intr. and tr. To appear (Ork. 1922 J. Firth Reminisc. 152, kie), to show, make manifest (Ork. 1929 Marw.), gen. in phr. sae weel (it) kyes on, so it appears, no wonder! (Ib.).Ork. 1880 Dennison Sketch-Bk. 144:
An' whin the breir begood tae ky.Ork.1 1942:
“This field's grandly ploo'd.” “Sae weel [it] kyes on; it was ploo'd by a champion.”Sh. 1960:
It kyes on him: said of one who looks well fed.
2. tr. To detect, to discover the perpetrator of a theft, to catch in the act, to betray (Sh. a.1838 Jam. MSS. XII. 125, 1866 Edm. Gl., 1914 Angus Gl.).
[A reduced form of Kythe, q.v. See P.L.D. § 71.]
