Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1941 (SND Vol. II).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
BONSPIEL, BONSPEIL, Bonspeel, n. [′bɔnspil, ′bɔnspɛl (less common)] A match between two opposite parties in the game of curling. It takes place gen. between different clubs or parishes. In former days the word was employed in a wider sense — e.g. in connection with golf or archery.Sc. 1773 J. Graeme Poems 39:
Until some hoary hero . . . To his attentive juniors tedious talks Of former times: — of many a bonspeel gain'd, Against opposing parishes.Sc. 1933 E. S. Haldane Scotland of our Fathers 355:
The Royal Caledonian Curling Club, started in 1838, has since held Bonspiels when weather permits.Lnl. 1864 J. C. Shairp Kilmahoe, etc. 181:
It's the North o' the Clyde, 'gainst the Southern side, And Loch Winnoch the tryst for the bonspiel to-day.Edb. 1844 J. Ballantine Miller of Deanhaugh 16:
But luckily a bonspeil, or match . . . had been played on the loch or marsh of Corstorphin.Dmf. 1830 R. Brown (ed.) Mem. Curl. Mab. i. 7:
On upland lochs the long expected tryst, To play their yearly Bonspiel.
