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.
†DILLY DAW, n. comb. “One who is both slow and slovenly” (Fif. 1825 Jam.2), a slattern.Sc. 1814 C. I. Johnstone Saxon and Gael III. v.:
An' is it no angersome to see her like a dilly daw, an' bits o' creatures that she could keep at her fire-side, buskit up like Flanders-babies?Ib. I. v.:
Our Jean's thinkin' o' the auld by-word, Ilka day braw, Maks Sabbath a dilly daw.
