Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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First published 1952 (SND Vol. III).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

DREEF, n. A large number, a crowd, a drove, a shoal (Ork.² 1949). Dim. dreefle (Cai. 1911 John o' Groat Jnl. (24 Feb.), Cai.⁹ 1949). Cf. Drave.Ork. 1929 Marw.:
What a dreef o' sillos (young coal-fish) tae dite (gut)! They (there) war (was) sic a dreef o' folk in the shop at I could no win near the counter.