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.
BALLISTEN, BALLISH STANE, n.1 A round sea-worn stone of varying size. [′bɑlisten, ′bɑlɪʃten]Sh. 1877 G. Stewart Sh. Fireside Tales (1892) 242:
If I pit dem [feet] doon I maun hae a lin [wooden support for feet] or a ballish stane ta set dem til afore I can row a straik.Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928):
Ballisten, a small round stone, pebble.Sh. 1914 Angus Gl.; Sh.3 1933:
Ballisten, a round sea-worn stone of such size as may be easily handled.
