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.
POULLIE, n. Also poolie, pull(e)y. [′puli.]
1. A young hen, esp. one for the table, a chicken, pullet (Uls. 1966), comb. poullie-hen, id. (Gall. 1824 MacTaggart Gallov. Encycl. 385). Also fig. of a weak or spiritless person.n.Sc. 1822 E. Burt Letters I. 17 Note:
Had it been for dinner, he would probably have recommended . . . a pully.Sc. 1827 C. I. Johnstone Eliz. de Bruce I. xii.:
Mrs. Hurcheon's compliments, and would be obligated, besides payment, for another poullie hen.Ags. 1841 Montrose Review (6 Aug.) 255:
You, ye blusterin', noisy bullie, To ca' me wandocht, weary poolie.
2. A generic name for any small wading-bird, “little birds that go flocking over the sand” (Rs. 1920).
[Appar. a late borrowing, orig. as a cookery term, of Fr. poulet, a chicken. Hence the pronunciation.]
