Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
Hide Quotations Hide Etymology
About this entry:
First published 1956 (SND Vol. IV).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
GELD, GELL, adj. Barren, not giving milk (w.Sc. 1887 Jam.). Obs. since 17th c. in St.Eng. For more usual forms, see Eild, adj.2, and Yeld. Hence geld-cow, -ewe, a dry cow (ewe) (Sc. 1856 N. & Q. (Series 2) I. 416). Geld-cow is also in Cum. dial. [gɛl(d)]
[O.Sc. geld, id., 1494; O.N. geldr, yielding no milk, dry.]
