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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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

MOYLIE, n. Also in variant form mowlin (see etym. note). [′mɔili, ′mʌulən]

1. A hornless cow or bullock or one that has been polled (Gall. 1824 MacTaggart Gallov. Encycl. 351; Wgt. 1963); a hornless wild goat (Wgt. 1963).

2. A mild-tempered, good-natured person.Gall. 1824 MacTaggart Gallov. Encycl. 351:
An auld moylie, a tame person, even to silliness.

[Ir. dial. moiley, a hornless cow, Ir. maolán, id., maológ, an unsophisticated person, orig. ad. Ir. maol, bald.]

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