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.
GHAISTLY, adj. Also gaistly. Gen.Sc. forms of Eng. ghostly. See P.L.D. § 32. Also used adv.Edb. 1851 A. Maclagan Sk. from Nature 157:
Enough, auld frien'; sic ghaistly rant Would aggravate a holy saunt.Kcb. 1894 Crockett Raiders i.:
It'll be waur for ye gin the Ghaistly Hounds get a grip o' your shins, Gil, my man. They draw men quick to hell!Lnk. 1922 T. S. Cairncross Scot at Hame 13:
And lookin' roun' wi' gaistly glowr, He yawned and said “It's near a' owre”.ne.Sc. 1929 M. W. Simpson Day's End 12:
Attour the hill the mists are creepin' grey, The shadows lengthen ghaistly 'yont the linn.