Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1968 (SND Vol. VII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1805-1836, 1895
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REEZIE, adj. Also reezy, reesy. [′ri:zi]
1. Of human beings: giddy, light-headed, hilarious, esp. as the result of drink (Sc. 1808 Jam.; ‡Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.; Slk. 1968).Peb. 1805 J. Nicol Poems I. 158:
But tho' the reezie lads set hame, Wi' friendlie chat, the lassies.Rxb. 1815 J. Ruickbie Poems 49:
Lang about Ettrick may ye toddle, And clew a poet's reezy noddle.Sc. 1836 Chambers' Jnl. V. 124:
If the ale be good . . . they begin to get cracky . . . This second modicum brings them from cracky to reezy; they are not fou, but just have plenty.
2. Of animals: boisterous, unruly, wild.Gall. 1824 MacTaggart Gallov. Encycl. 499:
His cowt grew reezy, its lang tail 'Twad swash, and lugs wad birr up.Ayr. 1895 H. Ochiltree Redburn v.:
I winder ye're no fear'd to gang oot wi' that reesy beast.
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"Reezie adj.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 8 Feb 2026 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/reezie>
