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: 1823
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¶SKERLING, n. A contemptuous term for a pert young woman, prob. a misreading for Shirling, q.v., also used fig. of a woman by Hogg.Slk. 1823 Hogg Perils of Woman I. 105:
Hear to the impudent skerling! the bit mushroom thing of yesterday! to set up her beak, and pretend to teach men. It's just nae better than if a gimmer hogg was gaun to gie an auld toop a lesson how to behave in his vocation.
