Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

Hide Quotations Hide Etymology

Abbreviations Cite this entry

About this entry:
First published 1965 (SND Vol. VI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

¶MERLIN, n.² A mermaid.Lth. 1866 J. Smith Merry Bridal 28, 29:
The ship's i' the howe o' a roarin' wave, An' thy luve's i' the merlin's cell . . . But the merlin he noo maun wed.