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.
CULLY, n.1 “The name in the game of marbles for the big selected marble used for shooting at the others in the ring with the hand held up. The marble is held between the thumb and the middle of the forefinger” (Gsw. 1916 T.S.D.C. II.; also Rnf.1 c.1920). Also in comb. cully-thumb, “a boy's term for shooting a marble off the middle of the forefinger instead of off the tip in the usual manner” (s.Lnk. 1905 E.D.D. Suppl.).
[Cf. Eng. slang cully, a fellow, companion.]
