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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1956 (SND Vol. IV).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

GALORE, n., adv. Also gilore (Ags.19 1952), gulore (Knr.1, Bwk.3 1952), galyore (Uls. 1880 Patterson Gl.; Arg.3 1949), †gillore, †gelore, †golore, ¶gillour (Slk. 1820 Hogg Winter Ev. Tales II. 207).

Sc. n. usage: plenty, superabundance, of wealth or goods (Cai.7 (in Gael. districts), Abd., Per.3, Slg., w.Lth., Rnf., Ayr.8, Kcb.10 1953). Also by the galore, †in galore, and in pl. = heaps (Fif.14 1947; Ayr.8 1950, obsol.). Also in Eng. dial.Abd. 1768 A. Ross Helenore 47:
Gin she came well provided ay afore, This day, she fuish of best of cheer gilore.
Ags. 1776 C. Keith Farmer's Ha' xxxiv.:
The gauger's scarcely frae the door, When beggars they come in gelore.
Kcb. 1789 D. Davidson Seasons 76:
Poor Andrew, ta'en wi' Nelly's charms, Coft her gillore of raisins.
Edb. 1821 W. Liddle Poems 146:
You'll see a birkie, at next door, Deseas'd wi' luxury and golore.
Ags. 1833 J. Kennedy Geordie Chalmers 194:
By that time I had galore, a weel-stowed hoose an' claes o' a' dimensions, forby a trifle i' the bank.
wm.Sc. 1837 Laird of Logan 251:
I have got the Innishowen and galores of bread and cheese ready, and all the neighbours are to join us.
Mry. 1865 W. H. L. Tester Poems 168:
I wat we hae Saunts in galore, sirs.
Edb. 1895 J. Tweeddale Moff 93:
Did oo no hear galores aboot her afore when 'e brocht the hoose aboot our lugs?
m.Lth.1 1949:
There's a big crap o' brummles the year, they're hingin by the galore.

[Gael. gu leò(i)r, Ir. go leor, enough, in plenty. Eng. galore, adv., dates from 1675.]

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