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.
‡GILD, adj. Also gyld, gjild. [g(j)ɪld]
†1. Of full size or weight, full-grown (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl., 1914 Angus Gl., gjild), esp. of fish of a certain marketable weight and size (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928)).Sh. 1775 J. Fea New Method of Fishing (1884) 137, Foot-note:
A Gild Ling, is one that is unexceptionable as to size, either way.
‡2. Arrant, great; clever, capable (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl.; Sh.10 1954, now rare).Sc. 1710 T. Ruddiman Gl. to Douglas Aeneis:
We say a gild rogue; i.e. a great wag or rogue.Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928):
A gild leear, an arrant liar, a gild tief, an arrant thief.
Comb.: †gyld knot, a firm knot made by knotting together the two ends while parallel. Cf. gald-knot s.v. Gaa-knot, id.Sh. 1898 Shet. News (31 Dec.):
I pat a gyld knot apo' da ends o' da treed afore I gae da needle ta Girzzie.
