Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1960 (SND Vol. V).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
¶HELLYIEFER, n. A very heavy shower, a downpour (Ork. 1929 Marw., Ork. 1957). [′hɛljifər]
[1st element prob. from O.N. hella, to pour out (cf. Icel. helliskúr, -rumba, -demba, pouring rain); 2nd element may be Norw. vǣr, O.N. veðr, weather, wind.]
