Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1952 (SND Vol. III). Includes material from the 1976 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

DILL, v.¹, n.¹ [dɪl]

1. v.

(1) To hang loose, to flap (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl.; 1908 Jak. (1928); 1914 Angus Gl.; Sh.¹⁰ 1949). Comb. ¶dill-bells, fluttering rags. For bell see Pell, n.¹, 2. Sh. 1958 New Shetlander No. 47. 9:
A young doctor, newly passed, wi a string o letters laek dill-bells efter his name.

(2) fig.: to loiter, jog idly along (Sh. 1914 Angus Gl.).Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928):
To dill awa de time, to idle away one's time by aimless walking about.Kcb.⁴ c.1900:
Dill a wee till we think what is next to be dune.

2. n. Something dangling, a rag (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928)).