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.
HORN-EEL, n. Also hornel; ornal (Abd. 1878 Trans. Nat. Hist. Soc. Abd. 92; e.Sc. 1903 G. Sim Fauna of “Dee” 243). [′hɔrnəl]
1. The sand-eel, Ammodytes, when fully grown (Edb. 1880 F. Day Fishes I. 330, horn-eel).m.Lth. 1811 Wernerian Soc. Mem. 528:
The largest sand-lances are called by the fishermen hornels.Abd. 1815 J. Arbuthnot Fishes 5:
Ammodytes Tobianus, Sand Lance, vulgarly called Sand Eel, and, when grown, Horn Eel.
2. The garfish, Belone belone (Uls. 1880 Patterson Gl.).
[Phs. from a fancied resemblance in shape to a horn.]
