A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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About this entry:
First published 1963 (DOST Vol. III).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1657-1674
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Herdwill, -wall, a. Also: hirdwell. [Herd n.1, with obscure ending.] Capable of keeping cattle in or out. —1657 Melrose Reg. Rec. I. 168.
The said George Scheill offerd to big ane dyke … for keping of his yaird harmles and herdwill 1667 Stitchill Baron Ct. 50.
That ilke tenant … make ther heid dycks sufficient and hirdwell for keiping the saids plants1674 Melrose Reg. Rec. II. 369.
[The officers found] the yeards pastured and roded … and … that James Bonar aught to keip ane herduall dyk 1674 Ib.
They allwayes keiping ther dykes herdwall as ther nighboures doth
