Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1974 (SND Vol. IX).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1880-1949
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TIRSE, n., v. Also tirs(s). [tɪrs]
I. n. 1. A sudden vigorous jerk or tug, any hasty impatient movement (Sc. a.1838 Jam. MSS. XII. 217, 1914 Angus Gl.; Ork. 1929 Marw.; Sh. 1972).Ork. 1880 Dennison Sketch-Bk. 56:
When he fand a tirse on the rop.Sh. 1898 “Junda” Klingrahool 8:
Whan du turned dee round wi sikkan a tirse.Sh. 1949 New Shetlander No. 19. 44:
In sic a tirse, dat he near owerbalanced himsel.
2. A state of excitement, impatience or rage (Sh. 1972).Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928):
Der 'r a tirs upon him; in a awfu' tirs; a tirs o' a hurry.Sh. 1931 Shetland Times (21 March) 7:
I saw at wance he wisna pl'ased, He wis in sic a tirse.Sh. 1949 J. Gray Lowrie 30:
Doo kens what dey say whin dir in a tirse.
3. Of the weather: a sudden outburst, a violent stormy spell (Sh. 1972).Sh. 1897 Shetland News (15 May):
Whin dis tirse o' wadder an' cauld is ower.Sh. 1898 J. Burgess Tang 237:
Aye, lass, he's a tirss o wind.
II. v. To tug or pull with a violent jerk (Sh. a.1838 Jam. MSS. XII. 217, 1914 Angus Gl.; Sh., Ork. 1972); to tear, rend (Sh. 1905 E.D.D.); to turn over impatiently (Sh. 1972).Ork. 1929 Marw.:
He was tirsan an' pullan at that boat till he hurt himsel.
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"Tirse n., v.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 6 Feb 2026 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/tirse>
