Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1941 (SND Vol. II). Includes material from the 2005 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
CHICKIE-MELLIE, CHICKY-MAWLY, —MALLY, n. comb. Also chickymelly. A game or trick played by boys (see quot.). The form chicky-mawly is given for Ags. by A. S. Neill in Carroty Broon (1921) xvii. and by Ags.17 1939; chickie-mellie is given by Mry.1 1924, Abd.16 c.1885, for Dundee in T.S.D.C. II. and by Dmb.1 1914. [′tʃɪkɪ̢′mɛlɪ̢ ne.Sc., m.Sc., wm.Sc., but Ags. + ′tʃɪkɪ̢′mɔlɪ̢, ′tʃɪkɪ̢′malɪ̢]Ags. 1934 G. M. Martin Dundee Worthies 183:
Chicky Mally. The boys having procured a “pirn” of thread . . . proceeded to tie a nail or large button to a piece of thread 6 to 8 inches long, which they attached to part of a window frame with a pin. At the weighted end the rest of the pirn of thread was attached and from a “hidey hole” they pulled the nail or button with rhythmical “tap-tap-tap” on the glass of the window.Dundee 1987 Norman Lynn Row Laddie Sixty Years On 60:
As illustrated earlier, invention didn't rule out mischief, the 'Chickymelly' fitted that category. A wood screw, a length of string and a rubber washer from a lemonade bottle stopper, was arranged as depicted. With moistening, this contraption could be stuck to the hidden corner of a window pane. Running a hand over the knotted cord caused the screw-head to play a tattoo on the glass to the puzzlement and even alarm of the householder.
