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.
BELL-CAST, n. A decrease in the angle of the pitch of a roof towards the foot so that the lowest row of slates or tiles is slightly less steep than those above to decrease the downward rush of rain water into the gutters, usu. done by nailing a tapering strip of wood to the foot of each rafter to tilt the roof boarding somewhat, the piece of wood so fixed, a roof sprocket (Sc. 1952 Builder (20 June) 942); in gen., a taper or slant. Usu. in phr. to gie (a ru if, etc.) bellcast, to mak a bellcast. Gen.Sc.Abd. 1951:
To gie a gird bellcast is to beat out one edge of a hoop on an anvil in order to make it fit a tapering-sided tub, barrel or the like.
[From the cast for the moulding of a bell which is sim. shaped.]
