We use cookies to enhance your experience on our website. By clicking 'continue' or by continuing to use our website, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. You can change your cookie settings in your browser at any time.

Continue
Find out more

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

Hide Quotations Hide Etymology

Abbreviations Cite this entry

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.

†COWSLEM, CAUSLEM, n. Also erron. causleen (Dmf. 1902 A.E.M. Lilts frae the Border 47). “An ancient name given to the evening star” (Rxb. 1825 Jam.2, cowslem).s.Sc. c.1830 T. Wilkie in Proc. Bwk. Nat. Club (1916) 68:
The welkin was . . . beautifully tinged wit the mild silvery light of Causlem.

[Phs. cow's + Leam, a gleam (of the star in the sky when the cattle are driven home). Cf. Eng. folding-star.]

7607

snd