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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1934 (SND Vol. I).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

†BADLIN', BADLING, BADLYNG, n. (See quots.)Sc. 1818 Jam.1:
Badlyng. A low scoundrel.nw.Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B. 46:
†Badlin'. Also †badling. A worthless fellow, a scamp; also, a naughty child.

[O.E. bǣdling, an effeminate person, from bǣddel, a hermaphrodite. O.E. bǣdan, to oppress. See Bad, adj. Occurs in O.Sc. 1508 Pinkerton Ballads (1792) III. 125: A wregh to were a nobill scarlet goun. A badlyng, furryng parsillit wele with sable.]

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