Dor·ic / ˈdôrik; ˈdär-/ • adj. 1. relating to or denoting a classical order of architecture characterized by a plain, sturdy column and a thick square abacus resting on a rounded molding.2. relating to or denoting the ancient Greek dialect of the Dorians. ∎ archaic (of a dialect) broad; rustic.• n. 1. the Doric order of architecture.2. the ancient Greek dialect of the Dorians. ∎  a broad or rustic dialect, esp. the dialect spoken in northeastern Scotland.

DORIC. In 1721, the Scottish poet Allan Ramsay compared his use of SCOTTICISMS with the Doric dialect of the Sicilian Greek pastoral poet Theocritus (3–2c BC). In the 19c, British writers began applying the term (referring to the supposedly rustic and uncultivated dialect of the Dorians of the Peloponnese) to ‘broad’ rural dialects in England and especially the Scottish Lowlands. In recent times, the people of northeastern Scotland have adopted the term for their own dialect. Elsewhere in Scotland, the term is used for any form of vernacular SCOTS. Generally it is favourable, the Doric being seen as rich, expressive, and rooted in tradition, whereas the gutter Scots of the cities is widely taken to have degenerated from ‘the genuine Doric’. See GUTTER SCOTS, SCOTTICISM.

Doric1 the ancient Greek dialect of the Dorians, and in extended usage, any broad or rustic dialect, especially that spoken in the north-east of Scotland.

Doric2 relating to or denoting a classical order of architecture characterized by a plain, sturdy column and a thick square abacus resting on a rounded moulding.