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.
GEELUM, n. Also geellim, gillem, -um. [′gi:ləm]
1. A rabbet-plane, “a tool in which the iron extends the whole breadth of the wooden stock, used in sinking one part of the same piece lower than another. . . . When the iron is placed to a certain angle across the sole of the plane, it is called a Skewed Gillem” (Sc. 1825 Jam., geellim, gillem; Gsw. 1899 A. Mathieson and Sons Tool Catalogue Index, gillum; Cai. 1900 E.D.D.). Gen.Sc.Lth. 1885 “J. Strathesk” Blinkbonny 69:
George Marr asked the carrier if he had got the “Geelum” for him.Per.4 1950:
A'll need tae use the geelum for the corners.
2. An auger or gimlet (Ags. 1954).
[Fr. guillaume, = 1. from 1690, from the proper name = William.]
