Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
Hide Quotations Hide Etymology
About this entry:
First published 1976 (SND Vol. X).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
WHILLIEGOLEERIE, n. Also whullie-, willi-. A hypocritical sycophant, a flatterer (Rxb. 1825 Jam., 1923 Watson W.-B.); in quot. appar. as a nonce term of endearment = a pet, a favourite.Sc. 1876 A. B. Grosart Wilson's Poems I. xxxiv.:
But whaur's my willigoleerie? Ay, come in owre, my bonny doo, an' buy a gownpiece.
