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.
†GROKOLL, n. Fisherman's tabu-name for a mouse (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928)). Also grey-koll (Ib.).Sh. 1937 J. Nicolson Restin' Chair Yarns 80–81:
This lad . . . remarked in an off-hand way that the damage to the sail had likely been done by a mouse. . . . The look of consternation on the faces of the others caused the lad to realise the gravity of his error. Had he said grokoll (grey head) or fotlin, all would have been well, but “moose,” that was a “forbidden” term.
