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.
MULIE, adj. Also møli (Jak.), muhlie (Jam.). Slow, inactive, languid, weary (Sh. a.1838 Jam. MSS. XII. 149, 1866 Edm. Gl., 1908 Jak. (1928)); weak from want of food (Edm.). [′mø:li]
[Orig. doubtful; phs. two different words have become confused, O.N. myglugr, musty. and O.N. mæðiligr, troublesome, wearisome, but the phonology is obscure. Cf. also †Sh. Norn mol, a close heat, closeness, Icel. molla, id.]
