Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
Hide Quotations Hide Etymology
About this entry:
First published 1941 (SND Vol. II).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
BLACK-BALL, v. To abuse, scold. An extension of the St.Eng. meaning “to reject a candidate in club ballot.”Ayr. 1896 H. Johnston Doctor Congalton's Legacy vii.:
She then commenced to black-ball Miss Hetty for her want o' sense.
