Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1965 (SND Vol. VI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
NIRS, adj. Also nirss, nirse; narsh (Ork. 1929 Marw.). Disagreeable, harsh or bitter in taste, rancid (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl., 1911 Angus Gl., Sh. 1964). Deriv. nirsen, id. (Sh. 1964).
[A variant of Niss, q.v. The Ork. form may be influenced by Wersh.]