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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1976 (SND Vol. X).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

†WIRLIE, n. Also wirli (Jak.). A place where a field-wall crosses a stream, an opening in a wall to let running water pass through (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928), 1914 Angus Gl.).Sh. 1899 Shetland News (14 Oct.):
Ivery ane ran fir da lee o' da daek yunder abune da wirlie.

[Jak. suggests O.N.ár-, gen. of á, a stream, + hlið, an opening or gap in a fence, but the comb. is not found in any of the Scand. languages.]

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