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.
Herdwill, -wall, a. [Herd n.1, with obscure ending. Cf. Hirdwell.] 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 1674 Ib. II. 369.
[The officers found] the yeards pastured and roded … and … that James Bonar aught to keip ane herduall dyk Ib.
They allwayes keiping ther dykes herdwall as ther nighboures doth