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.
†FILLIE-TAILS, Filly-, n. comb. “Little ragged clouds, something resembling uncut horse-tails, hence the name; they forbode windy weather” (Gall. 1824 MacTaggart Gallov. Encycl. 203). Cf. Eng. mare's tails, id.Ib.:
When frae the south whusk filly-tails, Than high ships wear low sails.
