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.
KEELIE, n.3 A boys' game of marbles, “the object being to get the marble into three holes in a row. The player who did this could then smash with his marble those of his opponents he pleased” (Ork. 1930).Ork. 1923 P. Ork. A.S. 67:
“Boaley” was a favourite [marble game] of mine. . . . I rather think the word “keelie” belongs to this game — possibly to the victor.
