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.
PELL, v.2, n.2, adv.
I. v. 1. To beat or strike violently, to thump, belabour (Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 229). Obs. in Eng. by mid. 17th c.Sc. 1715 Hogg Jacobite Relics (1821) II. 6:
To pell, and mell, and kill, and fell.
2. To walk in a heavy, blundering way, to hurry, dash (Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 229). Also in Eng. dial.
II. n. A heavy blow, a buffet; a crashing fall (Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 123).Rnf. 1835 D. Webster Rhymes 43:
While he rattles and ringes, Doors dance on their hinges, . . . I hae witness'd mysel His unmercifu' pell.w.Sc. 1880 Jam.:
Ga'in hame he got twa or three gae pells on his head.
III. adv. Violently, with great force, with a crash (Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 123).Bnff. 1880 Jam.:
He fell pell down on the pavement.
