A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 1963 (DOST Vol. III).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
*Helm(e)in, n. [ON. helming-r, orig. helfing-r, Norw. helming, a half part. In the mod. dial. of Orkney in sense a as hemlin.] a. A semi-circular piece cut from an animal's ear as a mark of identification. a. See quot. —a. 1623 Orkney & Shetl. Test. I. 94. b. And thre riggis or helmins of land; 1630 Prot. Bk. D. Heart MS. (Reg. H.).
His eldest merk, to wit tua helmeins vpon the left luge with ane bit befor vpone the rycht lug [etc.]
