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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1941 (SND Vol. II).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

BURLY, n. “A crowd, a tumult” (n.Sc. 1808 Jam.). Given as common for Gall. in E.D.D. (1898).Lnk. 1919 G. Rae 'Tween Clyde and Tweed 72:
But oh the burly canna' droon Yer [the burn's] ripplin' doon yon brae.

[Prob. reduced form of Eng. hurly-burly.]

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