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.
Quotation dates: 1815, 1887-1955
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GURRY, -IE, n.1, v.
I. n. 1. A dog-fight, a brawl (Lnk. 1825 Jam.; Lnk., Ayr., Gall. 1955). Of a dog: pugnacity, gameness.Sc. 1955 Sc. Field (July) 18:
A fox-hunting terrier should be small, varminty, hard-bitten and full of gurry.
2. Hurry, bustle, confusion (Sc. 1887 Jam. s.v. garray; Ork.1 1946; Slg., m.Lth., Ayr. 1955).Sc. 1887 Jam.:
As in speaking of a disorderly housewife or servant, "She's aye in a gurry."Per. 1900 E.D.D.:
Ye're in an awfu' gurry wi yer wark this mornin', lassie.
II. v. 1. To wrangle, dispute; 2. To grumble, growl.1. Rnf. 1815 W. Finlayson Rhymes 97:
For forms nae mair let Christians gurrie, Or shore their neighbours' Creeds to worrie.2. Abd. 1917 T. McWilliam Passing Days 38:
Certes! They had enough to make Them sigh or growl and gurry — They did their best.
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"Gurry n.1, v.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 5 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/gurry_n1_v>
