A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 1986 (DOST Vol. VI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
(Quhale-fisch,) Quhaill-fysche, n. Also: whaill-, waill-, whall- and -fish. [e.m.E. walefysshe (c1511), whalfish (1535), MHG, MLG, MDu. walvisch, ON hvalfiskr.] a. Whale-meat, blubber. b. A whale. —1549 Treas. Acc. IX 300.
For salt to the quhaill fysche boucht be him 1683 Edinb. B. Rec. XI 74, 75.
They having recently imported from Greinland to Leith ane loading of whaill fish … the councell … grant warrand … for boylling of ther said waill fish —1681 T. Brown Diary 13.
Thar came a whall fish into the north est syde of Eday
