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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1974 (SND Vol. IX).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

TALLY, n. Sc. usages of Eng. tally, a reckoning, score:

†1. The number five, used when counting sheep by making four perpendicular strokes with another across (Sh. 1914; Sh., Cai. 1972). Tally is used in Eng. dial. in counting the last unit in every so many bricks, bundles, fish, etc., gen. the twentieth or hundredth. See E.D.D.

2. A wedge used to adjust the coulter of a plough, so called from its shape like that of a miner's tally (Fif. 1957).

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