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.
ROKELAY, n. Also rokel(e)y, roklie (Sc. 1792 R. Galloway Poems 91); rockla (Rs. 1720 Pitcalnie MSS. Inventory) rocklay (Jam.), rockley; rookly; and erron. rogull(a)y (Sc. 1891 N. Dickson Kirk Beadle 24). A short cloak with a long cape, esp. one worn by women during the 18th-c. Also fig. Also in n.Eng. dial. [′rokle]Ork. 1720 P. Ork. A.S. XI. 40:
3½ yeards fine scarlett att 22½ /- per Ell for a Rockla to her.Edb. 1773 Fergusson Poems (S.T.S.) II. 160:
Whan Nature's rokelay green Was spread o'er ilka rigg o' corn.Ayr. 1788 G. Turnbull Poet. Essays 196:
The thicket gaudily array'd In rookly green.Sc. 1818 Scott H. Midlothian xvi.:
My mother's auld mutch, and my red rokelay.Ayr. 1824 A. Crawford Tales Grandmother (1825) II. 136:
Arthur's Seat, clad wi' a rockley o' heather.Sc. 1840 Whistle-Binkie (Ser. 2) 117:
Gae bring me my rokeley o' grey.
