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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1960 (SND Vol. V).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

HULLION, n.2 Also holyo. A kind of dogfish, prob. the lesser spotted dogfish, Scyllorhinus caniculus (Ork. 1929 Marw.). Cf. Hallow, n., 2. Hence holyiny, large-limbed, big, raw-boned and awkward. Cf. Holgin.Ork. 1929 Marw.:
He's a muckle tuim holyiny fellow.

[An extended meaning of Holgin, q.v., with different phonological development, from Norw. dial. holge, holje, a bundle of straw. For sim. semantic usages in fish-names, cf. Cabbie, n.2, note to Cabelew, Druillin, etc.]

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