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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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

GAIRY, Gairie, adj., n.³ Also gairey, †gar(r)ie, †gary.

I. adj. 1. Variegated, “having streaks or stripes of different colours” (Sc. 1808 Jam.).Ib.:
A gairy cow, a cow that is streaked on the back or sides.

Combs.: (1) gairy-bee, the black and yellow striped wild bee (Ags. 1886 Brechin Advertiser (29 June) 3, gairey-; Rxb.⁴ 1953); also gaer bee, a wasp (Sh. 1914 Angus Gl.); (2) gairy-worm, the caterpillar (Mry. 1916 T.S.D.C. II.).(1) Sc. 1808 Jam.:
The Todler-tike has ne'er a good bike, Nor yet the Gairie-bee.Ags. 1826 R. Chambers Pop. Rhymes 292:
The todler-tyke has a very gude byke, And sae has the gairy bee.Ags. 1896 J. Stirton Thrums 28:
The gairie bee played a very prominent part [in omens]. If the bee arose humming from a flagon of water into which it had been cast, the individual lived; if the bee sank, death supervened.Mry. 1909 Colville 149:
The garrie-bee was more attractive than any golak. It was described as striped and about the size of the foggie, but having a lot more honey.Ags. 1934 H. B. Cruickshank Noran Water 10:
The gairy-bee gangs by me Bummin' wi' the news.

2. Hence, of bright or variegated colour, gaudy. Also adv.Wgt. 1804 R. Couper Poems II. 251:
Now o'er the hill, and on the lough, The simmer shines sae gairy.Lnk. 1893 T. Stewart Miners 218:
The Cottage hames, the murky rooms, The gorgeous ha' sae garie, Is blest gin there your beauty blooms.

†II. n. 1. A name given to a striped cow (Sc. 1808 Jam., gairie); 2. = Comb. (1).1. Sc. 1751 Charmer II. 58:
First she drank Crommy, and syne she drank Garie.Fif. 1806 A. Douglas Poems 67:
May o' luck a dainty share Come ilka day to Gairy, That you a wee drap milk may spare.2. Ags. 1883 Brechin Advertiser (3 April) 3:
The garrie leaves her winter bield.Knr. 1891 “H. Haliburton” Ochil Idylls 18:
Sweet Simmer, to the pastur' come . . . And with thee bring the gairie's hum.