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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.

DAMISHELL, Daimoshel, -ishel, Damasol, Damoishel, Demishel, n. A damsel (Abd. 1898 J. R. Imray Sandy Todd ii., daimishel; Abd.4 1930, damishell, daimoshel; Abd.2, Abd.9 1939). Often used specifically of the daughter of the house. [′demɪʃəl]Bnff. a.1743 Trans. Bnffsh. Field Club (1891) 30:
And the case of a woman to whom are applied the choice epithets of a “vagabond damasol” and a “naughty wretch” reminds us . . .Abd. a.1807 J. Skinner Ep. to — Johnston in Bnffsh. Jnl. (26 Aug. 1862) 6:
For troth our damoishel has seen Nae cause nor reason to complain.Abd.(D) publ. 1867 Mrs Allardyce Goodwife at Home xii.:
We leet the damishell awa To get a raith o' lair.Bch.(D) 1934 P. Giles in Abd. Univ. Review (March) 122:
It wad set me better ta be earnin' a fyou shillin's for my nyaukit weans . . . raider than be colloguin' wi' braw young demishels.

[O.Sc. has damisel, damesel, damisoll, etc., from a.1400, a young woman, esp. of noble or gentle birth; a young female attendant (D.O.S.T.). The word has developed in meaning in the same way as Eng. dame.]

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