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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1971 (SND Vol. VIII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

SCABELY, adj. Scraggy, untidy, naked-looking. [′skebəli]Slg. 1921 T.S.D.C.:
A woman is described as “scabely aboot the neck”.

[Phs. an altered or misunderstood form of scabby-like, shabby, scruffy.]

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