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.
BELDAIRY, BILDAIRY, n. (See quots.)Sh.4 1934:
Beldairy. Pronounced in Sh. [′bʌldiri].Abd. 1886 Britten and Holland Eng. Plant Names 34:
Beldairy, or Bildairy. Orchis mascula, L., and O. Morio, L.Ayr. 1886 Ib., App. 509:
Beldairy . . . Ayrsh. (Belldera).Ayr.9 1934:
Beldairy is still in use among the older people. One correspondent stated that it was the orchis, and the other described it as a flower similar to the wild hyacinth, growing on a single stalk to a height of 6″, maroon in colour, with a green leaf, which has black spots. It is found fairly frequently on the banks of the Coyle.
