Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1971 (SND Vol. VIII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
SCALDER, n. Also sculder, skeulder, skiuldr. The jellyfish, Medusa (Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 148; Cai., ne.Sc. (scalder), Ayr., Wgt. (sculder) 1969). [′skɑldər, Cai. + ′skjʌl-, Gall. + ′skʌl-]Cai. 1888 Sc. N. & Q. (1st Ser.) I. 160:
South of Wick the fishermen call them [jellyfish] “skeulder”.Abd. 1959 Abd. Press & Jnl. (29 July):
The burning slime from the “scalders” flies in all directions, attacking the fishermen's faces, eyes and hands as they shake the herring from their nets.
