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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1976 (SND Vol. X).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

†WANLAS, n. Also -lass. A surprise, in phr. to be ta'en at a wanlas, to be taken by surprise, or at a disadvantage (Fif. 1825 Jam.). Rare and liter.Sc. c.1925 R. Thomas Sandie McWhustler's Waddin' 10:
“Ye didna gie's ony inklin o' yer backcoming.” “Na, na, laddie! I wantit tae tak' ye by wanlass.”

[Mid.Eng. wanlas, wanlace, a hunter's ambush, a crafty trick. O.Sc. at the wanlas, 1420.]

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