Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
Hide Quotations Hide Etymology
About this entry:
First published 1960 (SND Vol. V).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
HAZELLY, adj. Covered with or abounding in hazels (m.Lth., Kcb. 1956). Also ha(z)zley (Gall. 1824 MacTaggart Gallov. Encycl. 227), haslie (Mry. 1806 R. Jamieson Pop. Ballads I. 197), heaslie (Peb. 1805 J. Nicol Poems I. 176), hazly. The word appears to have been first used by Burns. [he:zli, s.Sc. hi:z-]Ayr. 1790 Burns Elegy on Capt. M. Henderson iv.:
Mourn, ilka grove the cushat kens! Ye hazly shaws and briery dens!Ayr. 1796 Burns As I stood by Yon Roofless Tower iii.:
The burn, adown its hazelly path, Was rushing by the ruin'd wa'.
