Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1960 (SND Vol. V).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
KEERIE, n., int. Also keery, -o. [′kiri, ′k(j)iro]
I. n. The native sheep of Orkney.Ork. 1867 in G. Barry Hist. Ork. xvii.:
The original type of native sheep is nowhere now to be seen except in the island of North Ronaldshay, and the domesticated “keery” of the crofter has changed into the Leicester-Cheviot by the development process of crossing.Ork. 1929 Marw.:
Keero. Native Orkney sheep; rather goat-like in appearance, with low shoulders, high quarters, and long neck. They are smaller than the “Cheviot” and hardly so big as a “Black-face.”
II. int. A call to a lamb or sheep (Dmf. 1933–5 Trans. Dmf. & Gall. Antiq. Soc. 326; Uls. 1953 Traynor; Per., Fif. 1959).Per. 1902 E.D.D.:
Keerie, keerie, keerie; here's yer milk!
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"Keerie n., interj.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 2 May 2024 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/keerie>
