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.
BALDIN, BALDEEN, BALDI, n. The halibut. [′bɑldi(n)]Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl.:
Baldin. The halibut (Pleuronectes hippoglossus).Sh. 1899 J. Spence Sh. Folk-Lore 205:
Perhaps he has been in grips with the baldin (halibut), and fainly hoped to feast on its barr cuts.Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928):
Baldin, the fishermen's tabu-name at sea for the halibut. N.I. baldien . . .: Wh[alsay]; baldi, de “gley'd” (the squint-eyed) b[aldi]. [The tabu phrase baldi her according to Jak. is applied to the ling and means “close the ling's eyes” (when protruding from its head).]Sh.(D) 1916 Burgess Rasmie's Smaa Murr 13 Mey:
Ye need a strong skoag [part of hand-line] whin ye'r fast ta da baldin.Sh.4 1933:
Some old fishermen here refer to the (halibut only) as Baldi or Da Baldeen; also Da Glied Sheeld.
