peerie

¹

/ ˈpiːrɪ /

noun

1. a spinning top

peerie

²

/ ˈpiːrɪ /

adjective

1. dialect.
   small

Word History and Origins

Origin of peerie¹

C19: perhaps from peir a Scot variant of pear, alluding to the top's shape

Origin of peerie²

C19: of uncertain origin; perhaps from Norwegian dialect piren niggardly, thin

Example Sentences

As it happened that year the peerie, or Indian summer, was of unusual length and beauty.

From Project Gutenberg

She did so, and just as she was sitting down to sup them the door opened, and a crowd of wee, wee Peerie Folk came in.

From Project Gutenberg

Do you remember how the child you once were sat in the brae, spinning the peerie, and hunkering at I-dree I-dree I droppit-it?

From Project Gutenberg