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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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First published 1956 (SND Vol. IV).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

GALDER, n., v. Also gaalder. Cf. Goller. [′gɑldər]

I. n. 1. “A noisy vulgar laugh” (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl.; Sh., Ork. 1953); a loud yell (Sh. 1914 Angus Gl.); “noisy, foolish talk; chatter” (Jak.; Sh., Ork. 1953), clatter (of tongues). Often in pl. = noisy mirth.Sh. 1836 Gentleman's Mag. II. 591:
I dud . . . heer da galder o' dere tungs as veevaly abùn da klifts az ginn I'd been apo da toonmills asyde dim.Sh. 1898 Shet. News (22 Oct.):
Da skreichs o' da lasses, an' da gaffs o' William, no ta spaek o' da gaalders o' auld Berry.Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928):
De galders o' de bairns.

2. “High, roaring wind; strong gust of wind” (Jak.); a strong breeze (Ork. 1929 Marw.).

II. v. 1. To laugh in a noisy, vulgar manner (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl., 1880 Jam., 1908 Jak. (1928); Ork. 1900 E.D.D.; Sh., Ork. 1953); “to talk or sing boisterously” (Jam.⁵); “to speak in a loud, foolish manner” (Jak.), to bawl.Sh. 1897 Shet. News (20 Nov.):
Evil shockamint sit i' dy galderin' jaws 'at niver lies.Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928):
A galderin voice, a loud, penetrating voice.

2. Of wind: to blow hard, to bluster (Jak.).