A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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About this entry:
First published 2000 (DOST Vol. VIII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Rusty bully. [MF rostit bollit (Avignon, 1449), roti bouilly (ioyeulx) (Basses Danses de la Bibliothèque de Bourgogne, ?a1435), ME roty bully (joys) (Skelton).] The name of a dance, ‘originating in Brabant … which very possibly mocked the English for their love of "jolly roast beef"’ (see Review of English Studies New Series VI (1955) 279–284). —a1500 Colk. Sow i 319.
Sum rusty bully with a bek
