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.
MATLO, n. Also matilot (Ork. 1845 Stat. Acc.2 XV. 143 Gl.). The common house fly, Musca domestica (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928), Ork. 1929 Marw.). Also, less frequently, the bluebottle, Calliphora erythrocephala (Ib.). [′mɑtlo]Ork. 1880 Dennison Sketch-Bk. 28:
Paety wad hae been nae mair i' his hands or a matlo atween me t'oom' an' finger.Ork. 1929 Old-Lore Misc. IX. ii. 78:
A matlo wad narlins dung 'im ower is he waas piverin' a' ower, 'is teeth waar titteran, an' da cald creeps waar rinnin doon.
