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.
POULIE, n. Also poolie; powlie. The louse, Pediculus capitis (Ayr. 1824 MacTaggart Gallov. Encycl. 363, powlie; Rnf. 1837 Crawfurd MSS. XI. 323; Gall. 1903 E.D.D.; m.Sc. 1966). Comb. poulie-kame, a fine-tooth comb (Wgt. 1958). [′puli]Ayr. 1847 Sc. Journal I. 18:
He remembered having often sat there, “picking poulies” from his person.Lnk. 1958:
She's got poulies in her hair.
