Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

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.

BANFF BAILIES, n. (See first quot.)ne.Sc. 1881 W. Gregor Folk-Lore of N.-E. Scot. 153:
The large, white snowy-looking clouds that rise along the horizon . . . were called “Banff bailies,” and at all seasons of the year were looked upon as the forerunners of foul weather.Bnff. 1882 W. M. Philip K. MacIntosh's Scholars 85:
The “Banff bailies,” that cam' steerin' fae the North yesterday, haena shown themsels the day.Bnff.² 1932:
This weather winna lest lang for there's ower mony Banff bailies castin' up.