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.
†EARNY-COULIGS, n.pl. Tumuli (Ork. 1825 Jam.2; 1866 Edm. Gl.).
[The origin of the first element is uncertain: phs. = Airny, iron, bog iron often being found in such mounds. For second element cf. Sh. kollek, a roundish, lumpy object, esp. an unshapely stone (Jak.), and O.N. kollr, top, summit.]