Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1976 (SND Vol. X).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
ALLIEVIERS, n. The name of a game (see quot.).Lnk. 1934 Gsw. Herald (12 May) 4:
Allieviers. Two sides equal in numbers took turns at tracking down and capturing one another. A den was first established. This was never circular, and always had a wall at its back. The edge of the pavement generally served on the front of the den, and the lateral extremities were marked off with chalk or jackets. To commence the game the hunting party inhabited the den while the quarry dispersed in all directions. The leader of the hunters counted up to a prearranged number and then his party set off in pursuit, leaving a “jailer” to guard the den. As members of the hunted side were captured they were confined in the den. Their only hope was that one of their fellows would appear from nowhere and with a wild yell of “Allieviers” hurl himself through the den between the jailer and the wall.
[Corruption of reliever s.v. Relieve, v., 3. (2).]
