Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

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

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First published 1983 (DOST Vol. V).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Pile, Pyle, n.¹ Also: pill(e. [ME. pil(e (a 1200), pyle, OE. Píl, ON. Píla, L. pīlum javelin.]

1. An arrow with an unbarbed head.Once only, appar. after Statute of Westminster (1285).In the 13th and 14th centuries ‘forest dwellers … were forbidden to use or carry setes or barbed arrows; they were permitted to use piles or pilets only’ (C. R. Beard). 14.. Acts I. 388/2.
Et … habeat gysarms quod in Scocia dicitur handhax archum et sagittas … extra forestam et infra forestam archum et pyle

2. A (pointed) blade of grass. 1513 Doug. xiii. Prol. 25.
At euery pilis poynt … The techrys stude as lemand beryall droppis Ib. xii. Prol. 92 (see Gers n. 2). a1568 Bann. MS. 229 b/25.
Aurora … Inbalmes with hir cristall hale The grene and tendir pylis ȝing Of every gres 1638 Henderson Serm. 12.
A man cannot make one pyle of grass

3. A pointed stake or post. 1646 Tulliallan Coal Wks. 209.
For bering off the piles Ib. 216.
For the piles boring 1685 Sheriffhall Coal Accompt 22 Aug.
For tuo pilles making