Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
Hide Quotations Hide Etymology
About this entry:
First published 1952 (SND Vol. III). Includes material from the 1976 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
COLLIE, Kolly, Kolli, Koly, n.2 “The little iron open lamp, in which fish-oil (melted livers) was used. In shape somewhat like a saucer with a spout on one side in which rested the wick — consisting of the cores of rushes (Juncus)” (Ork. 1929 Marw., koly; Sh. 1914 Angus Gl., kolli); the Cruisie of the mainland. Now superseded by the paraffin lamp to which the name is occas. transferred. Cf. Kelly, n.2 [′kɔlɪ̢]Sh.(D) 1886 “G. Temple” Britta 19:
An old-fashioned iron lamp, called a collie . . . supplied . . . all the illumination of the apartment.Sh.(D) 1916 J. J. H. Burgess Rasmie's Smaa Murr, Navember 1:
Whin da kolly wis young, he caaed da sun bridder.Sh.(D) 1922 J. Inkster Mansie's Röd 112:
Whin I cam' in agen, dan Girzzie wis geen ta fill da collie wi' a aire o' sillock oil.Sh. 1947 New Shetlander (Aug.-Sept.) 13:
Afore her shue held a kolli-lamp Dat didna shaa a stime.
