Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1968 (SND Vol. VII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
PURDIE, n. Also purdy.
1. A state of disorder and dirt, "a word used to denote a state of confusion and filth; as when applied to a house, it signifies that it is 'all in a litter'" (Ork. a.1838 Jam. MSS. X. 249).
2. By extension; a state of internal upset in the body, diarrhoea, flatulence (Ork. 1929 Marw., Ork. 1967). Comb. purdy-ribbon, "indigestion, stomachic ailment" (Ib.).
[Orig. obscure. ? for purgy < purgatory.]You may wish to vary the format shown below depending on the citation style used.
"Purdie n.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 18 May 2026 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/purdie>
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