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.
†BELLRAIVE, v.
1. “To rove about, to be unsteady” (Rxb. 1825 Jam.2 Also given in Watson Rxb. W.-B. (1923)).
2. “To act hastily and without consideration” (Rxb. 1825 Jam.2).
[The second element comes prob. from Rave, to roam, q.v. O.Fr. resver, aller çà et là pour son plaisir, rôder (Godefroy). Phs. bell is due to bellwether, the animal that leads the flock. Cf. also Bellwaver and Bell-wandering.]
