Show Search Results Show Browse

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

Hide Quotations Hide Etymology

Abbreviations Cite this entry

About this entry:
First published 1960 (SND Vol. V).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

KAMSHELL, n. Also camshell; camshall (Sh. 1753 Chambers's Cycl. Suppl.). The bone or “gladius” of the cuttlefish, Sepia officinalis, which is often found cast up on the shore after a gale (Ork. 1929 Marw., Ork. 1959). [′kɑmʃɛl]Ork. 1693 J. Wallace Descr. Ork. 18:
On the shore . . . is to be found . . . Camshells, or Os-Sepiae, that the Gold-Smith makes so great Use of.

[Prob. from Cam, n.1, pipeclay, from its resemblance to the calcified bone, + shell.]

You may wish to vary the format shown below depending on the citation style used.

"Kamshell n.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 18 Sep 2024 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/kamshell>

16124

snd

Hide Advanced Search

Browse SND:

    Loading...

Share: