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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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First published 1960 (SND Vol. V). Includes material from the 2005 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

KEEHOY, n., v. Also kee-hoi, key-, -how, ke-hoy. [m. and s.Sc. ki′hɔi, Abd. ki′hʌu]

I. n. The game of hide-and-seek, so named from the call used to summon the searchers (Abd. 1853 W. Cadenhead Flights 192, kee how; w.Sc. 1880 Jam. s.v. keerie-oam; Cai., Abd., Ags., Lth., Lnk., Ayr., Kcb., Dmf. 1959). Cf. Cahow, id.; a form of prisoner's base (Dmf. c.1908).Abd. 1852 A. Robb Poems 130:
Some to the buttons, bools, or ba', Kee how, or hy spy hy.Abd. 1882 W. Forsyth Writings 176:
A dissipated old fellow or two that you have known since you played kee-how in the Gallowgate lanes.Gsw. 1904 H. Foulis Erchie iii.:
A spoonfu' o' red-currant jeely, wi' a piece o' mutton the size o' a domino in't, if ye had time to find it, only ye're no' playin' kee-hoi.Dmb. 1927 J. Ferguson The Old Vale 130:
To play at “Key Hoi” with Mr Riddock's son in the Public Hall.Cai. 1955 Edb. John o' Groat Lit. Soc.:
Our hearts filled with joy, at “I spy” and “Key-hoy”.

II. v. To frolic, “to caper daftly” (Kcb. 1938–59).Arg. 1992:
Laughin an keehoyin.