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.
‡CATLILL, v. and n.
1. v. “To thrust the finger forcibly under the ear; a barbarous mode of chastising” (Dmf. 1825 Jam.2).Kcb.4 c.1900:
He catlilled me, Sir.
2. n.pl. “Cat-lills, a kind of punishment inflicted by grown-up people on those who are not so. It is done by pressing the forefinger into the hollow place at the root of the ear” (Gall. 1824 MacTaggart Gallov. Encycl. 128). Also in phr.: to gie one his catlills, “to punish him in this way” (Dmf. 1825 Jam.2).
[The first element may be cat, a small pointed stick (see Cat, n.2). For the second element, cf. Du. lel, the lobe of the ear (Franck).]
