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.
BEYLIE, n. A spelling intended to indicate a common Sc. pronunciation of bailie. See Bailie, 2 and 4. [′bəili]Abd. 1882 W. Forsyth Sel. from Writings 8:
I saw auld Provosts . . . An' beylies, wi' their gowden chyne.Abd. 1926 L. Coutts Lyrics, etc. 12:
Cum on Jock, The foremin cries, The beylie's in the byre.
