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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1971 (SND Vol. VIII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

SPREE, n., v.¹ Also spray (Sc. 1819 Scott Leg. Montrose Intro., 1826 Wilson Noctes Amb. (1855) I. 206); pr.p. sprien (Abd. c.1803 D. Anderson Sawney and John Bull 9). Sc. forms and usages:

I. n. A boisterous quarrel, a spirited argument; a disturbance, hubbub.Abd. 1812 W. Walker Bards (1887) 600:
Twa Emperors ance had a bit o' a spree, I believe they fell out 'cause they cud na agree.Gall. 1824 MacTaggart Gallov. Encycl. 3:
Na matter, without fearin, Gallovidians stood the spree.Ayr. 1883 W. Aitken Lays 50:
When ony twa wanted to raise up a spree, Naething roused him sae much as to say he was wee.em.Sc. 1896 Poets Lnl. (Bisset) 142:
'Tis half the bliss o' married life, A wee bit wordie spree.

II. v. 1. To go courting (Ork. c.1900).Ork. 1931 Orcadian (7 May):
I'se wirran 'e waas blide at da tou't o' bean nar' 'is lass sae lang, jeust da sam' is ma'be du waar desel whin du waar spreean.

2. Of an animal: to be in heat (Slg. 1971).