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.
Belly-blind, n. (and a.). Also: belli-, bellie-; -blinde, blynd. [App. f. Bellyn. and Blind a., but the reason for the compound is obscure.] A blindfolded person. esp. in the game of blind-man's buff; the game itself.a1500 Henr. Fab. 2375.
Lowrence, thow playis bellie blind 15.. Dunb. Ap. iii. 24.
Sum led is lyk the belly blynd With luve 1571 J. Maitland Sat. P. xxvii. 115.
Be nocht sylitt as a bellie blind a1605 Montg. Son. lxx. 10.
A bluiter buskit lyk a belly blind Id. Misc. P. iii. 43.
That buskit belly blind 1629 Boyd Last B. 154.
The reprobate who is but a bellie-blinde will be inlightened Id. Fl. Zion. Exc. xvi/2.
Now belly blind he [sc. Samson] grinds within our mill 1664 Kirkcudbright Min. Bk. 204.
O! who darre … play like bairnes at belliblinde with God
