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.
†SEMEL-BIRSEL-TAR, n. A ball game played by children between corners where a penalty is punished by three bumps on the back with the ball (Fif. 1921 T.S.D.C.).
[Ad. Lat. semel bis ter, once, twice, thrice, for the three bumps.]
