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.
†CUMLIN, n. “Any animal that attaches itself to a person or place of its own accord” (Sc. 1808 Jam.). Hence cumlin-cat, “one that takes up its residence in a house spontaneously” (Ib.).
[Cf. arch. and dial. Eng. comeling, a newcomer.]
