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.
WHEEDA, n. Also wheedo, huida (Jak.). A fisherman's tabu-name for a fish, esp. the ling, Molva molva (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928), Sh. 1974), only used in the phrs. referred to in the quots. See White, n., 2. (2). [′ʍidɑ]Sh. 1899 J. Spence Folk-Lore 134:
He calls out “Wheeda”; and presently he exclaims: “Wheeda-hint-da-wheeda!”. . . . It means that three ling are being hauled up hook after hook, and that the whole three are visible through the clear water.
