Definitions

from The Century Dictionary.

  • noun Tumult; uproar.
  • noun A blow; hence, a stroke of misfortune; an ill turn.
  • noun A scolding; a scoring.

Etymologies

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Examples

  • So, I think, we had better lay the haill dirdum on that ill-deedie creature, Major Weir, and say naething about your dream in the wood of

    Redgauntlet 2008

  • When there's din an 'dirt i' the hoose, the wife aye gets the dirdum.

    My Man Sandy J. B. Salmond

  • So, I think, we had better lay the haill dirdum on that illdeedie creature, Major Weir, and say naething about your dream in the wood of Pitmurkie.

    Wandering Willie’s Tale 1921

  • So, I think, we had better lay the haill dirdum on that ill-deedie creature, Major Weir, and say naething about your dream in the wood of Pitmurkie.

    Wandering Willie’s Tale 1907

  • Hobbie; ` ` they would nicker, and laugh, and giggle, if their best friend was lying a corp --- and yet I am glad they can keep up their hearts sae weel, poor silly things; but the dirdum fa's on me, to be sure, and no on them. ''

    The Black Dwarf 1898

  • For myself, I confessed openly then, as I do now, that I found him the most diverting person I have ever met, and took such pleasure in his company that upon me should rest much of the dirdum of having him at

    Nancy Stair A Novel Elinor Macartney Lane 1886

  • So, I think, we had better lay the haill dirdum on that ill-deedie creature, Major Weir, and say naething about your dream in the wood of Pitmurkie.

    Stories by English Authors: Scotland (Selected by Scribners) Various 1878

  • It's a sore thing to do between such near friends; but if I get the dirdum* of this dreadful accident, I'll have to fend for myself, man.

    Kidnapped Robert Louis Stevenson 1872

  • "But," he added, "there was nae occasion to gie me sic a dirdum: a word wad hae pitten me mair i 'the wrang."

    Malcolm George MacDonald 1864

  • "The deevil's in the women," said poor Hobbie; "they would nicker, and laugh, and giggle, if their best friend was lying a corp -- and yet I am glad they can keep up their hearts sae weel, poor silly things; but the dirdum fa's on me, to be sure, and no on them."

    The Black Dwarf Walter Scott 1801

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