Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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First published 1956 (SND Vol. IV). Includes material from the 2005 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

FEARDIE, Feartie, n. A coward, timorous person. Gen.Sc., mostly in children's usage. Also in combs. feardie-coward (Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.), feardie-cush (Ib., Bwk. 1942 Wettstein; Hdg. 1950), feardie-gowk (Fif.¹⁷, Edb. 1950), idem.wm.Sc. 1984 Agnes Owens Gentlemen of the West 110:
"C'mon fearty," the boy had shouted. Sc. 1988 Scotsman 18 Nov 16:
If John Halliday can get this balance-sheet in front of the Scottish people we could all make up our own minds as to whether we should continue to be Big Fearties. wm.Sc. 1992:
Ye're jist a feartie. Edb. 1992:
You're a bigger feartie! em.Sc. 1997 Ian Rankin Black & Blue (1999) 114:
'So who passed you the info?'
'Fergus McLure.'
'Feardie Fergie?' Rebus pursed his lips. 'Wasn't he one of Flower's snitches?'