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.
Quotation dates: 1779, 1833-1835, 1954
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‡GILLY-GAWKIE, n., v., adj. Also gillie-, -gaukie.
†I. n. A silly young person; “a long-made and rompish girl” (Gall. 1824 MacTaggart Gallov. Encycl. 229, gilly-gawkie). Cf. Gillygacus, -gawpus.Lnk. c.1779 D. Graham Writings (1883) II. 139:
He has twa gigglet gilliegaukies o' dochters.Ayr. 1833 J. Kennedy Geordie Chalmers 213:
Dinna be wiled aff your feet by a gilly-gawkie.Slk. 1835 Hogg Wars Montrose I. 74:
You mouse-trap, you gillie-gawkie, I say go away hame.
†II. v. “To spend time idly and foolishly” (Lth. 1825 Jam.).
III. adj. Foolish.m.Lth.1 1954:
Git on wi' the wark an no stan' there an look sae gilly-gawkie.
