Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1934 (SND Vol. I).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

AWEE, adv. A little. Gen.Sc. [ə′wi:]

1. For a short distance.Sc. 1917 D. G. Mitchell Kirk i' the Clachan 11:
At aince they loot fa' their nets an' followed Him. An' gaun on a wee, He saw James.

2. A little while (the usual sense), sometimes with prep. for.Sc. 1818 Scott H. Midlothian xviii.:
“Bide awee — bide awee, Mr Middleburgh,” said Deans.Abd. 1768 A. Ross Helenore 43:
Whan he had lien awee, the body says, O an I were in Flaviana's braes!Edb. 1844 J. Ballantine Miller of Deanhaugh 18:
They belang to folk wha can want their meal awee.Lnk. 1919 G. Rae 'Tween Clyde and Tweed 82:
For when I'm weary, and wad rest awee, I find that rest on hill-lands stey an' braid.Ayr. 1786 Burns To the Deil ii.:
Hear me, auld Hangie, for a wee.Kcb. 1893 S. R. Crockett Stickit Minister vi. 71:
Can ye no wait awee?

3. Of degree, extent, or measure: to a small extent, or degree; (by) a little = somewhat.Sc. 1818 Scott Rob Roy xxvi.:
I trust bowls will row right though they are awee ajee e'enow.Abd. 1826 D. Anderson Poems 63:
Awee afore him on the way, Hersel alang at her ease rade.Rnf. 1871 D. Gilmour The “Pen” Folk (1873) 16:
The most unruly boy was . . . told to keep the ithers a wee “quaiter.” Pawky old codgers!