Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1968 (SND Vol. VII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
PEEL, n.2 Also pil (Jak.). [pil]
1. A tiny particle or scrap, the smallest vestige, fragment or iota (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl., Sh. 1965). Hence peelo, a grain, crumb, morsel (Ork. 1929 Marw., no wan peelo).Sh. 1892 J. Burgess Rasmie's Büddie 76:
For twist [tobacco] I hunt Bit soar-a-peel dere cam ta sicht.Sh. 1949 J. Gray Lowrie 105:
I did sae, an' lost every peel o' her [a cow]. I coodna even tak her hide fur rivlins.Sh. 1964 New Shetlander No. 71. 9:
Du's no a peel better, Robbie, as far as weemen is consairned.
2. Collectively: tiny black mussels adhering to the rocks on the foreshore (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928)). Cf. craw-peel s.v. Craw, n.1, IV. C. 2.
[Norw. pile, = 1., sim. used in neg. expressions.]
