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.
‡KEELIE, n.1 Also erron. keerie. The kestrel, Falco tinnunculus (Lth., Rxb. 1825 Jam., esp. “a young one”; Bwk. 1889 G. Muirhead Birds Bwk. II. 25; Dmf. 1894 Trans. Dmf. & Gall. Antiq. Soc. 150; Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.). Combs.: 1. keelie-craig, a crag on which the kestrel nests; 2. keelie-hawk, the kestrel (Bwk. 1889 G. Muirhead Birds Bwk. II. 25; Dmf. 1959). [′kili]1. Sc. 1877 J. A. Sidey Alter Ejusdem 1:
Up near the foot o' the keelie-craig.2. Clc. 1850 J. Crawford Doric Lays 45:
Een as gleg as keerie hawk.
