Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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

GILDRO, n. Also g(y)eldro, gildroo, dyelro. [′gɪldro, ′g(j)ɛl-, ′djɛl-]

1. “A trick-game in which two persons are so placed together that they cannot separate. A, bound hand and foot, kneels, with his elbows on the ground. B places his head under A's ribs, with one leg and arm between A's arms. If the two are then turned over they cannot get apart until A is untied by a third person” (Ork. 1908 Old-Lore Misc. I. vii. 248, 1929 Marw., gildro, Ork.⁵ 1954).

2. Fig.: (1) a state of confusion or ruin; (2) “a silly state of mind; ‘in geldro'” (Ork. 1929 Marw.).(1) Ib.:
It's a' geen (gaan) tae g(y)eldro.