Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1934 (SND Vol. I). Includes material from the 1976 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
BILE, Beil, n.3 “A boil, a tumour” (Sh. 1914 Angus Gl.); “a boil, suppuration” (Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B. 55). [bəil, beil]Sc. 1700 S. C. Misc. III. 186:
Ther wes a' man in Achluncart that had a bile, whom McPhersone took in hand to cure. Ags. 1790 D. Morison Poems 37:
Ye say I biles and blotches sent, On man of Uz.Per. 1915 J. Wilson L. Strathearn 98:
A gei sair beil ut wuz tui.
