Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

Hide Quotations Hide Etymology

Abbreviations Cite this entry

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

WRAY, v., n. Also ¶wree. Sc. forms and usages of Eng. wry: I. v. tr. To twist, screw up (the face); intr. to writhe, squirm; to make a wry face, grimace.Lnk. a.1779 D. Graham Writings (1883) II. 92:
I wrayed my face in a frightful manner.Fif. 1827 W. Tennant Papistry 34:
He saw the wretchit men Wreein' and wreethin' wi' the pain.

II. n. A twisting of the lips, a grimace.Fif. 1824 J. Bissett Poems 65:
Ye show'd your intention By the wrinkles and wrys o' your face.