Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

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.

‡BILBIE, n.

1. “Shelter, residence” (Ags. 1808 Jam.).Ags. 1891 J. M. Barrie Little Minister (1892) viii.:
“What mortal man can do,” Wearyworld said, “we're doing; ay, and mair, but she's auld wecht, and may find bilbie in queer places.”

2. (See quot.)Ags. 1934 (per Ags.¹):
Bilbie. Of wider meaning than shelter and means freedom, scope.