a Mhoire Mhoire Mhàthair

Scottish Gaelic

Alternative forms

• a Mhoire Mhàthair

Interjection

a Mhoire Mhoire Mhàthair!

1. (Uist, Christianity) Said in supplication to Mary.
2. (Uist, blasphemous) An imprecation of surprise, disgust, or disappointment, akin to "Holy Mother of God!"
   • 1950, Dòmhnall Mac an t-Saoir (Bàrd Phàislig), Òran na Cloiche:

     Gun smid aige ri ràidhtinn
     Ach "Càit 'n deach a' Chlach?
     'S a Mhoire Mhoire Mhàthair
     Gu dè nì mise màireach
     Tha fios a'm gum bi bhànrainn
     A' fàgail a beachd"

     All he could say was
     "Where did the Stone go?
     And Holy Mother of God
     What will I do tomorrow
     I know that the Queen
     Will be beside herself"