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.
KURKI-BAA, n.comb. A ball of dye made from Corkir, q.v.Sh. 1900 Chambers's Jnl. (22 Sept.) 718:
This purple is known by the local name of korkeleit; it was brought in considerable quantities from the lonely island of Foula . . . The dye was to be had in the form of balls, and these went by the name of kurki-baas in the local dialect.
