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.
HELLISOM, adj., n. Also helyiesam, heljee-.
I. adj. “Winsome, amiable; having agreeable manners” (Sh. 1914 Angus Gl., hellisom, Sh. 1957).Sh. 1953 New Shetlander No. 35. 20:
Da flooers raise up dir heads an smile A hilsen ta dat lasses fair Da burds wi' hellisom sangs burst oot As dey feel dir praesince dere.
II. n. Used subst. A pleasant, agreeable person (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl., helyies-am, 1888 Edmonston and Saxby Naturalist 184, heljeesam).
[Appar. Helly, q.v., + suff. -some.]
