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.
BIRSTALEK, n. (See quot.) [′bərstɑlɛk (Jak.)]Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928):
Birstalek, hog's bristle at the end of a thread for sewing shoes: sewing-thread (waxed) with hog's bristles at both ends. Ha'e ye ony birstaleks?
