Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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

REE, n.³, adj.² Also ri (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928)).

I. n. 1. A period of stormy weather gen. occurring at certain seasons of the year (Sh. a.1838 Jam. MSS. XII. 184, 1866 Edm. Gl., 1914 Angus Gl., Sh. 1967).Sh. 1899 Shetland News (27 May):
“Man, dis is shurely da Belton ree — ” “Ree or no ree, I ken he wis a cursid cowld aboot da time 'at da day begood to brak.”Sh. 1932 J. Saxby Trad. Lore 178:
There were three “Rees”, Buggle Ree, Beltane Ree, and Simmer-mill Ree.Sh. 1958 New Shetlander No. 48. 11:
He'll shön mak up agyin fir mair coorse coorse wadder; Der little doot dey'll aye be mony a ree.

2. An attack of pain or illness (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928)).

3. A series of high breakers interspersing the smaller waves at regular intervals.Jak.:
A ri o' brak. .

II. adj. Of weather: stormy, blustering; dry and frosty (Cai. 1966).Cai. 1904 E.D.D.:
A ree caal day.Cai. 1957:
A cold clear frosty night. “A ree nicht”.