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.
BACK-FA', -FALL, n. The outlet of a mill-lade, through which the water runs when it is turned off the wheel.Abd. 1865 G. Macdonald Alec Forbes I. xxxi.:
In a few minutes more, the back-fall [Anglicised form] was again turned off, and the miller was helping them to get their boat out.Rxb. 1921 Kelso Chron. (11 Nov.):
Sometimes when the fa' was turned off a good-sized trout was captured. When the back fa' palled we climbed the boundary bank opposite.Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B. 45:
Back-fa'. The side-sluice of a mill-lade, where the water escapes when shut off from the water-wheel.
