Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1956 (SND Vol. IV).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
FILLET, n. Also fillad (Cai.), fullet (ne.Sc.), felot. Sc. usage of Eng. fillet, the loins of an animal: the thigh, of a human being (Sc. 1710 T. Ruddiman Gl. to Douglas Aeneis, Cai. 1907 D. B. Nicolson in County of Cai. 72; Cai.7, ‡Abd.27 1950). Hence fillad heid, the top of the femur (Cai.7 1943) and phr. to gie one fleckèd fillads, to beat one's thighs black and blue (Cai. 1907 D. B. Nicolson Ib.). Extended to mean big, clumsy hands (Rs. 1916 T.S.D.C. II., felot, Abd.8 1917). Cf. Eng. slang ham-handed.Abd.7 1925:
An old woman whom I knew in my youth who was asked as to her health replied, “Aw'm aye gey sair aboot ma fullets.”Bch. 1930 Abd. Univ. Review (March) 104:
The load cairt gaed ower baith ma legs. Een o' them wiz broken at the queet an' the idder leg wiz oot o' the fullet.
