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.
WHALM, v. Sc. form and usage of Eng. whelm, to engulf, overwhelm (e.Lth. 1903 J. Lumsden Toorle 303): used absol. in quot., to come in crowds, to swarm, to teem. Nonce.e.Lth. 1892 J. Lumsden Sheep-Head 37:
Trains and crowds cam' in there; And whalm'd an' whirl'd, and brawl'd an' birl'd.