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A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)

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About this entry:
First published 1971 (DOST Vol. IV).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Quotation dates: 1450-1452, 1587-1658

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Nut-schel(l, -shell, Nute-shell, n. [ME. nute-scale (Layamon), -scell (Cursor M.), noteschale (Trevisa), e.m.E. nutshal (a 1529), nutte-shell (c 1530).] A nut-shell. b. As the type of something of trifling value. c. As the type of something of very small compass, implying very close juxtaposition or intimacy. —c1450-2 Howlat 788.
[He could make] nobillis of nutschellis & siluere of sand
b. 1587 Carmichael Etym. 37.
Nauci, of the value of a nut-schel
c. a1628 Id. Prov. No. 1491.
They schite al in a nute shell
1658 R. Moray Lett. 2 Apr.
I guess we shall both fart in one nutshell

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