A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 2001 (DOST Vol. IX).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Speld, Spell, n. [Norw. dial. spjell a strip of ground, also spol, spole pl. spelir a strip of cultivated ground, a small division of arable land, Icel. spilda a tract, extent, strip of land. Also in the later dial.] Only in Orkney: A land measure, appar. similar or identical to a rig (Rig n. II 4). —1643 Mirbister Sasine in Marwick The Orkney Norn 175/2.
9 riggs or spelds called Quoynabrenda 1664 Easter Voy in Marwick The Orkney Norn 175/2.
Two riges called the Pockie Spelds 1666 Division of lands in Clouston in Marwick The Orkney Norn 175/2.
In Upper Briggan ten riggs parted in 9. Mair in the same shed 4 spelds parted in 9 1674 Peramb. of Wideford in Marwick The Orkney Norn 175/2.
The inquest passed upon the bear land and spells allanerlie … and measured each rigg and speld with an lyne 1686 Clouston Hist. Orkney 353.
In Stackaspelds his fourth part of a head rig and a spell which ought to pay for the head rig of Quoy James
