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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1952 (SND Vol. III).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

CLEMMEL, Clemmil, Clemel, Klem(m)el, Clamal, Klamal, n. Steatite, soap-stone. Edm. Gl. (1866) gives clemmel, and Jak. (1928) klem(m)el for Sh. The word is not known to Marw. [′klɛməl, ′klaməl]Sh.(D) 1899 J. Spence Sh. Folk-Lore 129:
Formerly sinkers were made of klamal, or soap-stone, instead of lead as at present. [Also spelt clamal p. 48.]Sh., Ork. 1806 P. Neill Tour through . . . Ork. and Sh. 75:
Pieces of pure white steatite are frequently found on the shore: these, I believe, the people call clemmil, and employ for drawing white lines on cloth or wood.Ork. 1795 Stat. Acc.1 V. 185–186:
A soft stone named Clemel, and fit for moulds, is also among those which this island affords.

[Jak. regards the word as of the same origin as Clem, v., 2, above, the earlier form klemer, which he gives for Yell and Conningsburgh, pointing to an orig. *kleimr. See note to Clem, above.]

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