Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1965 (SND Vol. VI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
MAIL, n.2, v.2 Also mael(e).
I. n. A reddish spot or stain on cloth, esp. that caused by iron oxide (Sc. 1808 Jam.; Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.; Fif., Lth., Lnk., Rxb. 1962). Also fig. Comb. airn-, irne mail, id. (Jam.; em.Sc., Lnk., s.Sc. 1962).Slk. 1807 Hogg Mountain Bard (1874) 87:
And all the waters in Liddisdale, Can ne'er wash out the wondrous maele.Sc.(E) 1913 H. P. Cameron Imit. Christ iii. xxiii.:
Seenil is onie ane fun' hailly lowse frae a' mael o' selliness.
II. v. To stain, to discolour, esp. with an iron stain (Sc. 1808 Jam.).Sc. 1818 Scott H. Midlothian xvii.:
A bit rag we hae at hame that was mailed wi the bluid of a bit skirling wean.
