A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 1937 (DOST Vol. I).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Beall, n. [Variant (indicating the Sc. pronunciation) of e.m.E. bail(e, bayl(e.] Bail. —1682 Peebles B. Rec. II. 104 (to give beall). 1688 Conv. Burghs IV. 87 (that they may be free of the beall). 1689 Acts XII. 47/2 (I proffer hostages or bealls).