Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1956 (SND Vol. IV).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1847-1864
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FERRY, v., n. Also farra. Sc. forms of Eng. farrow.
I. v. To litter, bring forth (Sh.10, Ork.5, Bnff.2, Ags.19, m.Lth.1 1946). See P.L.D. §48.1.Dmf. 1847 R. Chambers Pop. Rhymes 222:
The soo was soon to farra, and she hopit for a good bairn-time.Fif. 1864 W. D. Latto T. Bodkin vi.:
"Hoo auld is the beastie?" "Ferryt at the beginnin' o' the ait-seed." [1894 ed. has farryt.]
II. n. A litter of pigs (Sc. 1818 Sawers). Hence comb. ferry sow, a sow with young.Fif. 1864 W. D. Latto T. Bodkin viii.:
My mither was at hame waitin' on a ferry sow that was expeckit to need her assistance belyve.
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"Ferry v., n.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 8 Feb 2026 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/ferry>
