yirr

[ yir ]

verb (used without object)

1. to snarl or growl, as a dog does.

noun

1. a growl or snarl, as of a dog.

Word History and Origins

Origin of yirr¹

1780–90; perhaps to be identified with Old English georran to make a harsh sound

Example Sentences

Ye yirr and yowl—ye bark, but daurna bite.

From Project Gutenberg

When idly goavan whyles we saunter Yirr, fancy barks, awa’ we canter Uphill, down brae, till some mishanter, Some black bog-hole, Arrests us, then the scathe an’ banter We’re forced to thole.

From Project Gutenberg

To YIRR, v. n. to snarl; to growl.

From Project Gutenberg

Advancing half a mile over the southern shoulder of a coarse and shelly mass of limestone, we found the other rushy swamp, called Dubar Yirr or Little Dubar.

From Project Gutenberg