Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1934 (SND Vol. I). Includes material from the 1976 and 2005 supplements.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
BARISDALE, BARISDALL, n., v.
1. n. An instrument of torture (see quotations).Sc. c.1750 Young Chevalier 85:
Among all the Plunder that fell into the Hands of the Troops, I must not omit to mention that extraordinary Curiosity, the Engine called a Barisdale, from McDonald of Barisdale, the Proprietor in whose House it was found. It was an Iron Machine contrived to torture such poor thievish Highlanders as were not in the Service of this cruel Laird, and extort Confession from them. Highl. 1967 John S. Gibson Ships of the '45 82:
On the same occasion, Fergussone threatened Captain John Mackinnon, the Prince's companion, with the same usage, "swearing bloodily that when he got him on board, Barisdale and the cat and nine tails should make him squeak". Highl. 1967 John S. Gibson Ships of the '45 82:
[footnote] "Barisdale" was the nickname, known throughout the west highlands it seems, of a certain instrument of persuasion which the Furnace had picked up when she destroyed the house on Loch Nevis Hourn. ... The evil machine held its victim immobile while a great weight pressed him forward on to a sharp spike pointed at his throat. It had in the past frequently been employed by its inventor, the Laird of Barrisdale [sic.].
2. v. To torture someone with a Barisdale.Sc. 1746 The Lyon in Mourning (S.H.S.) (1896) III. 87:
Then Captain MacDonald was brought out of the house, was stript of all his cloaths to the skin, even of his shoes and stockins, brought aboard the Furnace, barisdall'd in a dark dungeon.Sc. c.1750 Young Chevalier 85:
'Twas enough to tell them they should be Barisdale'd, and shew them the dreadful Engine, to make the affrighted Wretches confess all they knew, and perhaps more.
