Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1952 (SND Vol. III).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
COULICHAN, COULICHING, n. “A piece of wood for holding fir candles over the fire to dry” (Mry.1 1925, couliching; Id. in T.S.D.C. II., coulichan). Cf. Kilchan. [′kulɪçən]
[From Gael. coinneal, a candle, pl. coinnlean, also (Ir.) coinnleacha. Hence coinnleachan, a little place for candles, with nn practically mute, but strongly nasal, i.e. coi(nn)leach-an, with lingering, strongly nasal coi-; cf. giuthsach-an (Guisachan, Invsh.), from giuthas, fir, pine (W.J.W.).]
