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.
VEAL, n.2 In Mining: a tank, chest, or barrel, generally on wheels, which is used to take water from the sump of a mine (Sc. 1886 J. Barrowman Mining Terms 69). Hence vealing, vbl.n., the action of removing water by means of such containers (Ib.). [vi:l]
[Orig. uncertain, but poss. a transferred usage of Veal, n.1, from a jocular allusion to the shape of the apparatus and its purpose of suction. Cf. a similar application of Walloon vai (= Fr. veau) for a sledge on wheels used in mines.]
