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.
BUILY, Beullie, Builo, n. “A feast” (Ork. 1845 R. Scarth in Stat. Acc.2 XV. 95; 1866 Edm. Gl.; 1929 Marw., buily). [′bøli, ′bølo (Marw.)]Ork.(D) 1880 Dennison Orcad. Sk. Bk. 143:
They held a beullie for seevan days.
In pl.: “dainties, titbits, good things to eat” (Ork. 1929 Marw., builos).
[Cf. Dan. bolsje, sweetmeat, dainty, Sw. bulle, a wheaten loaf. Prob. from the Idg. root *bhel, to swell (Falk and Torp, s.v. bolle).]
