Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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First published 1976 (SND Vol. X).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

DEADIES, n.pl. A children's game (see quot.).Dmf. 1969 I. & P. Opie Children's Games 74:
The game usually begins with the players standing in a small circle with their feet apart touching the feet of their neighbours on either side. One player bounces the ball in the middle of the circle, and as soon as the ball rolls under somebody's legs, that player picks it up while the rest run. Staying where he is he throws the ball at someone, trying to hit him. Thereafter anyone near the ball can pick it up and fling it at any other player, but a person must not move with the ball in his hand. The other players can run where they like within bounds. Each person has three lives, and may continue in the game until he has been hit a third time, when he usually has to stand aside until only one player is left, who starts the next game.

[Dim. form from dead.]