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.
CAIRL, CAERIL, n. used attrib. In phr. a Cairl sky, “a belt of clear sky seen on the horizon towards the south” (Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.). [kerl, kɛrl]e.Dmf.2 1933:
“Dinna gan' fer withoot yer coat the day; there was a ‘Caeril' sky this mornin', and it is sure to be rain.” By Caeril sky is meant a very red sky in the morning, just over Carlisle from here [Langholm]. It is almost certain to be wet, later in the day, after a “Caeril” sky.
