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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.

†KILLYWIMPLE, n. A trill or affectation in singing (Lth. 1825 Jam.); fig. an undulating flight, as of a bird.Sc. 1897 L. Keith My Bonnie Lady 192:
Miss Betty Barker, in the body of the kirk, with many a quaver and killy-wimple, took up the strain.Sc.(E) 1927 H. McDiarmid Lucky Bag 3:
O Love is like the baukie bird, I canna follow its flicht. Wi' mony a killywimple It glints and 's tint to sicht.

[From Killie-, + Wimple, an intricate turn, a piece of craft. Cf. Curriewimple.]

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