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.
†GILLIEBIRSE, n. [′gɪlɪ̢-]
1. "A cushion [pad], generally of hair, formerly worn on the forehead of a female, over which the hair was combed" (Rxb. 1825 Jam.).
2. "Cheek, impudence: 'Gie's nane o' eer gilliebirse'" (‡ne.Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.).
[? Gillie, n.1, 2. + Birse, n.1, a bristle, hair. For the peculiar extension in 2. cf. colloq. Eng. "none of your lip, cheek".]
