Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1941 (SND Vol. II).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

BREEKLAN, Breeklam, Breaklam, ppl.adj.

1. “Shabby in appearance, whether in person or in dress” (Mearns 1825 Jam.², breeklan). Not known to our correspondents.

2. Irregular in gait, “waddling” (Abd. c.1900 (per Slg.³), breaklam). Also used substantively.n.Sc. 1912 W.T. in Scotsman (19 Jan.):
When at school in the thirties, it was customary for a loon who was badly set on his pins and shochl'd or hirtch'd in walking to be dubbed “Breeklam-tag.” “Faa's shot is't?” — “Breeklam-tag's.” “Play, Breeklam, play, min; it's your turn.”