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.
BEETLES, n.pl. With def. art.: the name of a game like miniature skittles.Abd. 1934 Press & Journal (13 Nov.) 2:
A type of marble game, “the beetles” was popular in the Garioch not so long ago. “The beetles” consisted of three cartridge cases set up like a wicket with fixed spaces between them, and the owner invited other boys to try to knock them down with marbles from a stipulated distance.
