Dictionaries of the Scots Language
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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.

REEN, v., n. Also reein; rin (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928)); and erron. back-formation ree. [ri:n]

I. v. To squeal, make a shrill noise, esp. of a pig (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl., 1914 Angus Gl.; Ork. 1929 Marw.; Sh. 1968). Vbl.n. reenin, squealing.Sh. 1892 G. Stewart Fireside Tales 252:
Dere wis . . . a brülin' an' a reenin', a screichin' an' a yellin,.Sh. 1918 T. Manson Peat Comm. 82:
Reenin an carryin on as only a grice can.Sh. 1958 New Shetlander No. 46. 19:
He hents oot a whistle an reeins tree blasts upon him.

II. n. The squealing or screeching noise made by a pig (Sh. a.1838 Jam. MSS. XII. 184; Ork. 1929 Marw., ree; Sh. 1968). The spelling reein is due to the word being taken as the vbl.n. of an inf. ree. Hence adj. ree(n)owy, fretful, whining, complaining esp. of children (Ork. 1929 Marw.). For the form cf. Ginnowy, Lathowy.Sh. 1933 J. Gray Lowrie 32:
He coodna suffer da reeins o' him.Sh. 1948 New Shetlander (Oct.-Nov.) 22:
I hears reeins at wisna moderate; — mair laek whin wir folk killed dir grice.Sh. 1963 New Shetlander No. 67. 7:
We heard da reeins o da lasses an Gibbie o Gundy singin da “Scottish Soadger” at da tap o his voice.