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.
Bilȝard, Bilȝeart, n. Also: bilȝaird, -ȝeard; bilȝet, -ett. [F. billard (also formerly billart), whence also e.m.E. billards, billiards, -yards, balliards (1591).] A billiard-cue; pl. the game of billiards. Also attrib. with boul, burde. (Cf. Bulȝard.)(a) 1580 Treas. Acc. MS. 382 b.
The bilȝeart burde 1582 Ib. 37.
For … bilȝeart bullis and bilȝeartis furnesset be him 1599 Ib. 71 b.
Grene Londoun clayth to cover the bilȝard burde 1603 Ib. 265.
Certane bilȝardis and bilȝard bowles furnisit … to his hienes(b) 1580 Treas. Acc. 38.
Grene clayth to the bilȝet burd 1603 Haddington Corr. 210.
Playit at the bilȝetts till supper