A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 1990 (DOST Vol. VII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Rail, n. [e.m.E. rayle (Cath. Angl.), late ME rale (c1450), F. râle, OF rasle (1164 in Larousse), raale.] A game bird. —1598 Household Bks. Jas. VI II 25 May.
Fra the Laird of West Wemmes off murefoulis ix, … off railis ii