Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

Hide Quotations Hide Etymology

Abbreviations Cite this entry

About this entry:
First published 1968 (SND Vol. VII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

PERVOO, v. Also purvoy. Of a bird: to abandon its nest (Abd.¹⁴ 1915, Abd. 1921 T.S.D.C. 17, 25, purvoy). Also of persons: to cease to frequent the company of, to drop (an acquaintance) (Abd. 1965). [pər′vu:]Abd. 1915 H. Beaton Benachie 22:
An' he wis sayin' Eppie is thinkin' it ye hae purvoit them a' th'gidder.