Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1934 (SND Vol. I).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
APHELLY-DAY, n. The Ork. name for the festival called in Older Sc. Uphaliday, Uphalie Day, and in Sh. Uphellya, q.v.; formerly Jan. 6, Twelfth Day, but in later times “in the end of January” (see quot.). [ɑp′hɛli (Marw.)]Ork. 1920 J. Firth Remin. Ork. Par. (1922) 126:
Aphelly day came in the end of January, and was observed, like New Year's Day, by feasting and ba'-playing.
