Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1976 (SND Vol. X). Includes material from the 2005 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

AMERICA, Americy, Amereeca, Americky, n. Sc. forms and usages.

1 Sc. forms of Eng. America. Ork. 1952 R. T. Johnston Stenwick Days (1984) 38:
"Shae's in Amereeca. He's niver seen her except on the films. ... "wm.Sc. 1980 Anna Blair The Rowan on the Ridge 104:
" ... I met up wi' him ower some tradin' stuff we brocht fae Americy."Lnk. 1997 Duncan Glen From Upland Man 8:
And a Buick's on its wey frae Americky
wi a muckle back seat.

Sc. usages:

2. The name of a Highland dance, a kind of reel (see quot.).Hebr. 1773 Boswell Tour (1936) 242:
We performed with much activity a dance which I suppose the emigration from Skye has occasioned. They call it “America”. A brisk reel is played. The first couple begin, and each sets to one—then each to another— then as they set to the next couple, the second and third couples are setting; and so it goes on till all are set a-going, setting and wheeling round each other, while each is making the tour of all in the dance. It shows how emigration catches till all are set afloat.

3. Comb. American ropes, Turning two skipping ropes simultaneously in opposite directions.Edb. 1980s:
Play at American ropes