Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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

†GELL, adj., adv., n.³

I. adj. 1. Of the weather: sharp, chilly. Also gelly.Upp.Cld. 1825 Jam.:
“A gell frost”, a keen frost.Lnl. 1921 per A. M. Bisset:
“It's a gey snell mornin', Peter.” “Aye, it's geyan gelly.”

2. Of trade: “brisk, as applied to a market, when goods are quickly sold” (Upp. Cld. 1825 Jam.).

3. Of persons: “keen, sharp; applied to one who is disposed to take advantage of another in making a bargain” (Dmf. Ib.).s.Sc. 1897 E. Hamilton Outlaws i.:
He's just a wee gell is Master Lancie when it comes to couping.

II. adv. Briskly, nimbly.Sc. 1776 D. Herd Sc. Songs II. 1:
For their evil evil tongues are going so gell, That I must kiss and go my way.

III. n. Briskness (of trade).Dmf. 1825 Jam.:
“There's a gey gell in the market the day”, there is a pretty quick sale.