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.
Quotation dates: 1824
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SHIRLING, n. Sc. form of Eng. shearling, a lamb after its first shearing. Used transf. in quot. of a young woman. See also Shoreling.Slk. 1824 Hogg Shep. Cal. (1874) xii.:
The shy shirling sat snug in her corner, and wadna move.
