We use cookies to enhance your experience on our website. By clicking 'continue' or by continuing to use our website, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. You can change your cookie settings in your browser at any time.

Continue
Find out more

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

Hide Quotations Hide Etymology

Abbreviations Cite this entry

About this entry:
First published 1968 (SND Vol. VII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

PEELY-GRASS, n. Also piligrass. Barley with the husks removed (Uls. 1880 Patterson Gl.).Sc. 1761 Session Papers, Petition G. Buchanan (29 Jan.) 15:
Several Traders in Glasgow manufacture a great deal of Bear into shill'd Barley or Piligrass for Broth.

[Cf. Eng. dial. pail, to beat barley in order to remove its husks and awns, Corn. dial. pellas-gerts, pillas-, the groats from the naked oat or barley, and Pile, n.1]

20548

snd