paterish, a. local.
(ˈpeɪtərɪʃ)
[Origin obscure; the word appears in some districts as patherish or potherish.]
Of a sheep: Affected with water on the brain, causing giddiness and stupidity.
| 1794 Young Ann. Agric. XXII. 225 The disorders that attack [ewes] are the red-water, and being paterish, which last disease is never cured. 1805 R. W. Dickson Pract. Agric. (1807) II. 706 Sheep in this situation among South Down sheep-farmers are said to be paterish. 1808 A. Young jr. Agric. Surv. Sussex 335 A paterish sheep appears to be deprived entirely of its senses, and is continually turning round instead of going forward. |