Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
Hide Quotations Hide Etymology
About this entry:
First published 1934 (SND Vol. I).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
BILLET GUN, n. (See first quot.)Gall. 1895 S. Arnott in Dmf. and Gall. Antiq. Soc. 40:
What are known as “billet guns,” i.e. pop-guns made from the wood of the “boor tree” or alder, were freely used. [The ammunition was peas, pellets, etc.]Kcb. 1815 J. Gerrond Poems 105:
A' ye wha keep a billet-gun, An' profit like alang wi' fun. [Still heard (Kcb.5 1925).]
