Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
Hide Quotations Hide Etymology
About this entry:
First published 1952 (SND Vol. III).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
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.
