Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1960 (SND Vol. V).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1845, 1898-1922
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HALLOW, n.3 Also hallo (Edm., Angus) and halloe. [′hɑlo]
1. A bundle or sheaf of straw, gen. used as cattle fodder or for thatching (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl., 1914 Angus Gl.; Ork. 1929 Marw.; Cai.3 1931; I.Sc., Cai. 1956).Sh. 1845 Stat. Acc.2 XV. 124:
The general food of the cows in winter consists of a small “hallow” or “wap” of straw between two, night and morning.Sh. 1898 “Junda” Klingrahool 24:
Du'll gie dem a halloe tweest every twa, An a peerie air o coarn.Ork. 1922 J. Firth Reminisc. 32:
In tying up large bundles of straw called hallows the sookan was always used as a band.
2. The spotted dogfish, Scyllorhinus caniculus (Ork. 1930 Fishery Board Gl.). For this development of meaning cf. Holgin, Hullion.
[Cf. Norw. dial. halge, a bundle of straw, holge, a wisp of hay. Found in O.Sc. 1567–1623 for Cai. and Ork., appar. an early borrowing from Scand. and hence the vocalised ending.]You may wish to vary the format shown below depending on the citation style used.
"Hallow n.3". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 16 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/hallow_n3>
