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.
CARL-HEMP, Carle —, n. comb. In Eng. dial. = the female or seed-bearing hemp plant. In the 16th cent. it was believed to be the male plant because it had the coarser and stronger stalk (see N.E.D.).
Hence used fig. in Sc. in phr. stalk o(f) —, tough fibre, element of firmness.Sc. 1721 J. Kelly Proverbs 373:
You have a Stalk of Carle Hemp in you; — spoken to sturdy and stubborn Boys.Ayr. 1789 Burns To Dr Blacklock (Cent. ed.) viii.:
Come, firm Resolve, take thou the van, Thou stalk o' carl-hemp in man!
