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.
(Quhilly-quha,) Whilly-, Whilli-wha, n. [Only Sc.; also in later Sc. dial. Cf. later Sc. dial. whilly to cheat, esp. by wheedling.] ? A cheat or trickster; ? a highwayman. —a1651 Calderwood VII 201.
Certaine bair … gentlemen lay in wait upon passengers … about Edinburgh and in … Eist Lothian and wold needs have money from them. The commone people called them whilliwhaes 1680 Sempill P. 53/44.
We fear'd no reavers for our money Nor whilly-whaes to grip our gear
