Sc. [f. starn, STERN sb.2 + -IE.] A little star.

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a. 1774.  Fergusson, Hallowfair, Poems (1845), 13. At Hallowmas when nights grow lang And starnies shine fu’ clear.

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1790.  Burns, ‘O death! thou tyrant,’ xiv. Ye twinkling starnies bright.

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1815.  G. Beattie, John o’ Arnha’ (1826), 12. Or modern Dux, wi’ noddin’ crest, An’ starnies glancin’ on his breast.

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1833.  Chamb. Jrnl., No. 69. 136/3.

        I have gazed at you oft as you shone at your post,
In nights when the starnies were broonding wi’ frost.

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