Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1934 (SND Vol. I). Includes material from the 1976 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
ALI, ALIE, n. (See quots.) Used often before names of animals.Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl.:
Alie, a pet, a favourite.Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928):
Ali, young animal brought up in the house; also, a weakly being.
Comb. alie selkie, a tame seal (Sh. a.1838 Jam. MSS. XII. 1).
[Cf. O.N. alidȳr, domestic animal.]
