A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 1971 (DOST Vol. IV).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Nig(g)-nay(e, n. [Related to nignag (see Niggie-naggie): in the mod. dial of the north-east, the west centre and the southwest and of Ulster, as nignaye, -nae, -naw, -noy, -nye.] A trifle, trinket, bagatelle. — a1689 Cleland 92. Ib. 98.
He was not for the French nig nayes 1692 Presb. Eloq. (1694) 71.
For gentle-manny preaching they'l feed you up with penny whistles or nigg-nays bonny wallies [marg. children's toys and rattles]
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"Nig-nay n.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 16 Sep 2024 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/dost/nigg_naye>
