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.
HELMA, n. Also helm (Jak.), halma (Sh. 1914 Angus Gl.). Stubble left in a field after the crop has been cut (Sh. a.1838 Jam. MSS. XII. 106, 1908 Jak. (1928), 1914 Angus Gl.); part of such a field (Jak.); grass growing among stubble (Sh. 1902 E.D.D.). Also comb. helmabung, id. (Sh. 1947 Shet. Folk Bk. (Tait) I. 88).
[O.N. helma, straw.]
