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.
WHILLILU, n. Also whillylou, whullilow. [′ʍɪlɪlu]
1. An uproar, commotion, hubbub (Gall. 1824 MacTaggart Gallov. Encycl. 474, whullilow; Rxb. c.1930). Also in Ir. and Wm. dial.Ayr. 1790 J. Fisher Poems 65:
She's sleeping now! Yet wakens wi' a greeting eye, An' whilly lou.
2. A strain, a melody, air, sc. a tune hummed, lilted, etc., without words.Slk. 1820 Hogg Winter Ev. Tales I. 162:
What whillilu is that thou keep'st a trilling at?
