Obs. exc. dial. Forms: 7 leirey, 8–9 leary, leery, 9 lairy. [f. LEER a.1 + -Y1.] = LEER a.1 in various senses. (In quot. 1676 = containing empty spaces or hollows.)

1

1676.  J. Beaumont, in Phil. Trans., XI. 734. These Stones are generally found in Leirey places (as they call it) that is, Cavernous.

2

1787.  Grose, Prov. Gloss., Leary, empty. Dorsetsh.

3

1796.  W. Marshall, W. Eng., I. 328. Lear or Leary, empty, as an unloaded cart or waggon.

4

1874.  W. Cory, Lett. & Jrnls. (1897), 372. My cart goes ‘leery’ (= empty) to fetch coals.

5

1889.  T. Hardy, Mayor Casterbr., xx. I’ve been strolling in the Walks and churchyard, father, till I feel quite leery. Ibid. (1891), Tess (1900), 44/1. And he so leery and tired that ’a didn’t know what to do.

6