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.
GOURLINS, n.pl. The edible roots or tubers of the earth-nut, Bunium flexuosum: “the black bulbous roots of an herb with a white bushy flower, good to eat, called Hornecks in some parts of Scotland” (Gall. 1824 MacTaggart Gallov. Encycl. 234). Also, with variant dim. endings, gourlock (Gall. 1905 E.D.D. Suppl.), gourlies (Kcb. 1955), and erroneous form gowlins (Inv. 1871 Sc. Naturalist (April)). Cf. Curluns.
[Ad. Gael. cutharlan, earth-nut.]
