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.
Quotation dates: 1594-1625
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Lumfad, n. Also: lomfa(i)d, lumefald, lumphad. [Later var. of Langfad n. Cf. Limfad.] A West Highland galley. — 1594 R. Bowes in Cal. Sc. P. XI. 432.]
[It has been informed that sundry] lomfades [with Donald's forces have gone home 1598 Reg. Privy C. V. 468.
All principallis … upoun the illandis to … destroy the haill lumefaldis and birlingis in the saidis boundis … as lykwayes thay upoun the maneland [shall] deliver … thair haill lumefaldis and birlingis … reservand … all sic boittis as rowis with thrie airis in the syde allanerlie 1608 Highland P. III. 112.
Courte to be haldin … in Arros of Mull … to tak ordour … in distroying of lumfaddis, birlingis, and Hieland gallayis c1610 Melville Mem. 11.
Ther we rested a thre weekis, tarieing vpon ane lomfaid or heland bark quhilk James Maconell suld haue send from Kiltyre … to cary ws bak to Dombartane 1614 Reg. Privy C. X. 720. 1625 4th Rep. Hist. MSS. App. 490/1.
[To ... assist the Commissioners in pursuing the rebels by sea or land, and for that effect to meet the Commissioners, provided with their] gailaceis, lumphadis, birlingis [and other vessels suitable for pursuit and defence on sea]
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"Lumfad n.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 13 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/dost/lumfad>
