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.
Quotation dates: 1770-1825
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BARREL-SICK, BARLEY-SICK, adj. Drunk.Abd. c.1770–1780 A. Watson Wee Wifeikie (ed. W. Walker 1921) 7:
If Johnny see me barrel-sick, I wat he'll claw my skin. [Jam.2 in quoting this couplet gives barley-sick.]w.Sc. 1825 Jam.2:
Barley-sick. Intoxicated, sick from the immoderate use of the barley-bree.
Hence barley-sickness, n., intoxication (w.Sc. 1825 Jam.2).
