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.
†KILLIE, n.1, v.
I. n. A form of see-saw, in which a plank is laid unequally across a wall, and a child seated on the longer end is raised high in the air by his companions pressing on the other (Rxb. 1825, Per. 1880 Jam.; Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.); the plank itself (Ib.).
II. v. ‡1. tr. Also with up. To raise one aloft thus on a plank (Ib.).
2. intr. To cause the end of a plank, form, etc. to rise up in this way (Watson). Cf. Kilch, v. (4).
3. Of a horse: to throw up behind, to fling (Ib., rare). Cf. Kilch, v. (3).
[Phs. a back-formation from Killiecoup, a tumble.]
