Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1976 (SND Vol. X). Includes material from the 2005 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

HEIDIE, n., v. [′hidɪ]

I. n. In pl. The game of headers, or heading a ball to and fro against an opponent (Gsw. 1957 Bulletin (28 Nov.)).Gsw. 1985 Michael Munro The Patter 33:
heidies or headers is a street football game played (either as singles or doubles) in a manner not unlike tennis. Goals are established fairly close together and play is started by one player throwing up the ball and heading it towards the opposite goal. It is possible to score directly in this way or the opposing player may be forced to save by catching the ball. Alternatively, the receiving player may head or volley the ball straight back, chest it down and kick it back, or allow it to bounce before kicking it back. If a goal is scored or the ball goes out of play the game restarts as above. Wee heidies is a version of this played in a confined space such as a close or shed. Edb. 1992:
Playin heidies meant headering a ball against a wall - sort of keepie uppie but using your head.

II. v. To head the ball in the game.Gsw. 1957 Bulletin (28 Nov.):
You simply heidied the ball from your side to your opponent's, trying to score goals. If he got his head to your shot before it touched the ground, he got a point, and, as I say, three points counted as a goal.Gsw. 1985 Michael Munro The Patter 33:
heidie As verb it means to head the ball: 'The winger slung ower a brilliant cross an the big man heidied it in.'