Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
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.

BIRLIE, n.²

1. “A spindle-whorl” (ne.Sc. 1923 Watson W.-B. 56).

2. A revolving chimney-cowl (Fif. 1949).

3. A round cage-like frame hung from the shoulders and used for carrying water buckets (Wgt. 1975). Wgt. 1955 Gall. Gazette (10 Dec.):
I would like too, to learn if any of the lads remember carrying home water "frae the spoot" and in doing so used a "birlie" to keep the two water buckets apart.