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.
‡GELLY-FLOWER, n. Also jelly-, -ie-. Sc. forms of Eng. gillyflower, the clove-pink, stock, wallflower (Arg.3 1954). [′dʒɛle-]Sc. 1819 Scots Mag. (June) 526:
O' the jellie-flour is built your bour, And pav'd wi' the primrose gay.Ayr. 1823 Galt R. Gilhaize I. iii.:
A pleasant policy adorned with jonquils and jelly-flowers.Sc. 1827 G. R. Kinloch Ballad Bk. 75:
Your head sall be buskt wi' gelly-flower.Ayr. 1887 J. Service Dr Duguid 286:
The gelly-flowers are bloomin' by the water-side, and the beech-trees bursting into tender green and gold.
