Sc. Also 7 stirrow. [Perh. corruption of SIRRAH; cf. stir for sir, STIR sb.2]

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  1.  A young fellow.

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1665.  Sir J. Lauder (Ld. Fountainhall), Jrnls. (S.H.S.), 17. Being oftner in telling of his beads then both his other 2 companions fat-looged stirrows ware.

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1768.  Ross, Helenore, 7. Ralph … A dainty stirrah had, twa years out gane.

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a. 1779.  D. Graham, Jockey & Maggy, V. Writ. 1883, II. 41. She’s born a bra wally thumping stirra.

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1811.  A. Scott, Poems (ed. 2), 177. Here they dwalt, till Cain an’ Abel, Twa fine stirrahs, blest their bour.

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  2.  ‘A term of contempt, apparently corrupted from Sirrah.’ (Jam.)

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1816.  Scott, Antiq., xv. Stirra, this is no the road to Monkbarns. Ibid., xxi. Ay, and then, when the dogs barked at the lone farm-stead, the gudewife was cry, ‘Whisht, stirra, that’ll be auld Edie.’

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1818.  Hogg, Brownie, etc. Woolgatherer, II. 125. ‘My faith, stirra!’ said she,… ‘My faith, man, but ye’re soon begun to a braw trade!’

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