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.
Quotation dates: 1776, 1925
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CULLION, CULLYEON, n. "A person of disagreeable temper and manners" (Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 34, cullyeon), "a heavy, ill-kempt, rather repulsive person" (Bnff.2 1938, cullion; Abd.2 1941). Used (as in obs. Eng.) as a term of contempt.Cai. 1776 Weekly Mag. (25 Jan.) 146:
That cullion Hancock, is he yet alive? Ill, ill mat he an' a' his menzie thrive!Abd.7 1925:
Cullion, as in the expression "a muckle cullion," evidently used opprobriously.
