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.
†GAUBERTIE-SHELLS, n. comb., pl. “The name given to a hobgoblin, who till within a few years past has been heard to make a loud roaring, accompanied with a barking similar to that of little dogs, and at the same time with a clattering resembling that of shells striking against each other” (Lnk. 1825 Jam.). Cf. clams, with similar meaning, s.v. Clam, n.1
