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.
DABERLACK, -lick, Dabberlock, n. Gen. in pl. [′dɑbərlək, ′dɑbərlɔk]
1. = Badderlock, q.v. (Nai. 1813 W. Leslie Gen. View Agric. Nai. and Mry., Gl.; Bnff.9 c.1927, dabberlocks).Mry. 1838 W. Hay in Lintie o' Moray (ed. Cumming 1851) 53:
There's dulse an' daberlicks for bairns, an' skate to please the wives.
2. “Any wet dirty scrap of cloth or leather” (Nai. 1813 W. Leslie Gen. View Agric. Nai. and Mry., Gl.); rags and tatters (Sc. 1825 Jam.2; Mry.1, Mry.2; 1925). Known to Bnff.2; 1939.
3. Hair hanging in lank, tangled and separate locks (Nai. 1825 Jam.2); elf-locks (Mry.1, Mry.2 1925, dabber-locks; Bnff.2 1939). Used attrib. in quot.Sc.(E) 1926 “H. M'Diarmid” Penny Wheep 18:
The auld men o' the sea Wi' their daberlack hair.
4. “A tall, uncomely person; commonly used as a term of disrespect” (Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 36). Known to Bnff.9 c.1927 (dabberlocks), Bnff.2 1939.Ib.:
Here's that ill-fawrt (ill-favoured) daberlick o' a chiel.
