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.
Quotation dates: 1845
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SWILLEY, n. A swell or thickening in a part of a coal seam causing a hump and a corresponding hollow. Also in n. Eng. mining usage in forms swally, swelley. It is uncertain whether the word was in genuine Sc. usage. [swɪle]Dmb. 1845 Stat. Acc.2 VIII. 176:
The Shirva field, a little to the west of the Stron, is a small cap or swilley, thrown in and out again by two hitches or troubles.
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"Swilley n.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 17 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/swilley>
