Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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First published 1934 (SND Vol. I).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

BARBAREE, n. A boys' game. [′bɑrbɑri]Cai. 1911 John o' Groat Jnl. (3 Oct.):
A game like barley-break. . . . A certain spot was fixed as the goal, and one was appointed by lot to catch one of the company before the goal was reached. He could not leave it till all were out of sight, and one had shouted “Barbaree!” Then he set out in pursuit, and if fortunate to make a capture, this one was bound to act as catcher in the next game.Abd. 1921 W. Walker W.-L.:
Barbaree = “Hy-spy,” Aberdeen name for same game.