Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1974 (SND Vol. IX).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
SWELCHIE, n. Also swilkie (Ork. 1929 Marw.); and in arch. use swelth (Sc. 1926 H. McDiarmid Drunk Man 32). A whirlpool in the sea, in Ork. specif. of the eddies and swirls in the Pentland Firth (Ork. 1808 Jam.; Cai. 1904 E.D.D.; Ork. 1972). [′swɛlki]Ork. 1701 J. Brand Descr. Ork. 141:
The tide in the ebb running down into the swelchie of Stroma.Ork. 1774 G. Low Tour (1879) 14:
The tide of Pightland Firth continues in some measure undisturbed till it comes to Stroma, upon the north point of which it breaks with prodigious violence, and goes off with vast rapidity forming an amazing current called the Swelchie.Ork. 1805 G. Barry Hist. Ork. 44:
Swelchies, gulphs and whirlpools.Sc. 1821 Scott Pirate xxix.:
The waws, wells, and swelchies of the Pentland Firth.Ork. 1920 H. Campbell Island Folk Songs 25:
An' the swilkie swirls.
