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.
†ROILER, n. Also roller (Jak.), royllar (Sh. 1904 E.D.D.), ruiller (Edm.); rolli, rolyie. A Sh. sea-tabu word for a buoy on fishing nets (Sh. a.1838 Jam. MSS. XII. 188, 1866 Edm. Gl., 1881 Williamson MSS., 1908 Jak. (1928)); also a small cask or keg for water (Sh. 1814 Irvine MSS.).
[Appar. = roller, sc. “that which rolls about”. The phonology is somewhat uncertain and has phs. been influenced by Norw. rulle, to roll. The spelling -il represents a palatal l. See L, letter, 2.]
