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.
Bell, v.1 [Bell n.1] To bell the cat, to undertake a hazardous action.The attribution of the phrase to Archibald, Earl of Angus, in 1482, does not appear in early sources.a1598 Ferg. Prov. 64.
It is weill said, but wha will bell the cat 1644 Hume Hist. Douglas 226 (J).
The Earle of Angus … answered shortly, I will bell the cat
