Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1976 (SND Vol. X).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
WHALE, adj. Irreg. form of Hail, adj., spelt after Eng. whole (Fif. 1887–95 S. Tytler Logie Town II. ix., Kincaid's Widow xvii.). Hence sim. whalesome, wholesome (Edb. 1970 Edb. Evening News (27 Oct.) 4). See Hailsome.