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.
¶MAILLEISS, n. Nonce usage of O.Sc. and obs. Eng. malease, distress, disquiet, erroneously employed to denote a stain, a blemish, phs. due to confusion with Mail, n.2Sc.(E) 1913 H. P. Cameron Imit. Christ iii. lv.:
For haein' fa'n throwe the ferst man, Edie, the pinishment o' this mailleiss haes come doon upon a' men.
