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.
Quotation dates: 1813-1827
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HEMLIN, n. Also hemling (Ork. 1957), hemlock (Ork. 1929 Marw.) and †helmin. A sheepmark used by Ork. shepherds, made by removing a semi-circular piece from one of the ears (Ork. 1922 J. Firth Reminisc. 110, 1929 Marw.). Cf.Forehelman. [′hɛmlɪn]Ork. 1813 Old-Lore Misc. IV. i. 5:
A helmin before and one behind on the left lug, a hole in the right and a bit before, and a skirt in the right nose.Ork. 1827 Old-Lore Misc. I. v. 164:
Robt. Balantine, Gossaquoy, crop on right lug, a bit behint on right lug and a hemling before on the left.
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"Hemlin n.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 5 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/hemlin>
