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.
DEIL, adj. Dare-devil, reckless. Hence deilmaist, most reckless, most mischievous.Hdg. 1908 J. Lumsden Th' Loudons 17:
He's just the deilest Jehu in the shire, An' sticks at naething.Lnk. 1923 G. Rae 'Mang Lowland Hills 69:
But noo a trump o' terror fills the isle, That never failed to cowe the deilmaist loon.