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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.

CALLET, n.1 “A wench, jade, doxy, trull, drab, scold, etc.; a term of contempt. Particular meanings are represented by the adj. prefixed” (Sc. 1887 Jam.6). Obs. in St.Eng. since 17th cent. but still in use in n.Eng. dialect.Sc. 1820 Scott Monastery xxv.:
What! thou foolish callet, art thou confederate with this strolling vagabond?
Ayr. (? 1786) publ. 1799 Burns Jolly Beggars (Cent. ed.) Song I. iv.:
I'm as happy with my wallet, my bottle, and my calet As when I us'd in scarlet to follow a drum.

[Etym. uncertain. Not in O.Sc. Cf. Gael. and Irish caile, a girl, a maiden. Weekley suggests a connection with Mid.Eng. female name Calote (truncated form of Nicolette), the name of the daughter of Langland, author of Piers Plowman.]

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