Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1934 (SND Vol. I). Includes material from the 1976 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
BA-SILLER, n. Money scattered for children to scramble for on the occasion of a marriage. Also extended to mean (the price of) drinks which a bridegroom was expected to provide for his friends on the morning after his marriage (Fif. 1935). [′bɑ:′sɪlər]ne.Sc. 1874 W. Gregor Echo of Olden Time 119:
In some of the villages it was usually the custom for children to assemble round the door, and demand ba-siller, when a few coppers were given them.
