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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1976 (SND Vol. X).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

WURN, v. To be peevish and querulous, to be constantly complaining (Lth. 1825 Jam.). Rare and liter.Fif. 1875 A. Burgess Poute 74:
The sparrows sit like spectres — Wurnin' and cheepin' — that for want o' luck, They canna swallow buckies.
Sc. 1935 W. Soutar Poems in Sc. 21:
Gie owre, gie owre ye fik-ma-fyke Wha, like a hinny-bee, Sae wurns about the body's bike And fidgets to be free.

[Poss. echoic, based on yurn, Yirn, v.2]

29765

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