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.
GILT, n.2 Also dims. giltek, -ock, gjiltik. A large rectangular-shaped stack, esp. of hay (Cai. 1907 D. B. Nicolson in County of Cai. 73; Ork. 1929 Marw.; Cai.8 1954), or of heather “built loosely to permit the air to gain admission and thoroughly cure the theck” (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl., giltocks, 1914 Angus Gl., gjiltik); “a longish heap of mown heather and coarse grass piled up in a ridge for drying in the out-field; this dried mass is used for thatching and as litter for cattle” (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928), giltek). [′g(j)ɪlt(ək)]Cai. 1916 John o' Groat Jnl. (7 April):
The hay was built in a “gilt”.
