Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
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.

BILE, Beil, n.³ “A boil, a tumour” (Sh. 1914 Angus Gl.); “a boil, suppuration” (Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B. 55). [bəil, beil]Sc. 1700 S. C. Misc. III. 186:
Ther wes a' man in Achluncart that had a bile, whom McPhersone took in hand to cure. Ags. 1790 D. Morison Poems 37:
Ye say I biles and blotches sent, On man of Uz.Per. 1915 J. Wilson L. Strathearn 98:
A gei sair beil ut wuz tui.