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.
BURLEY, n. In phr. crying (of) the burley, the reading of the town's charter.Slk. 1921 Kelso Chron. (24 June) 3/3:
As usual, the proceedings began . . . with the time-honoured custom of “crying the burley,” and large crowds waited in the streets the appearance of the burgh officer . . . who in his quaint costume, and accompanied by his fifer and drummer, left the West Port and made his first halt in the Market Place.Slk. 1931 Bussin' the Colours in Scotsman (12 June):
“The Crying of the Burley” was carried through with all the old time dignity, the Burgh Officer, in his picturesque uniform, reading that proclamation which bids the riders of the Marches be ready on the morning to start “at the sound of the second drum.”
