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.
SPEILACH, n. A wood chip, shaving.Inv. 1888 Chambers's Jnl. (14 July) 434:
The roots, fat and full of resin, still remained in the ground. The boiteach, or guidman, had at leisure times during the summer months dug up, with spade and mattock, a quantity of these, carried them home, split them into small pieces (speilachs), and placed them to dry.