Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1960 (SND Vol. V). Includes material from the 1976 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

ILL-NAME, n. A bad name, a bad reputation (Sh., n. and em.Sc.(a), Lnk. 1958). Ppl.adj. ill-named, of bad repute (Abd. 1955); misnamed. Phrs. to ca' ill-names, to revile, vituperate; †to put into an ill name, to give a bad name to.Sc. 1732 T. Boston Crook in the Lot (1773) I. 19):
Being put into an ill name, their reputation sunk.Lnk. c.1846 A. Rodger Poems (1901) 128:
To thraw the mouth, to ca' ill names, Is surely very bad.Abd. 1853 W. Cadenhead Flights 118:
For a' the ill name they bear.Per. 1891 H. Haliburton Ochil Idylls 61:
Ye lawwers, lay aside your briefs; Ill-named, they ne'er have endin'!