Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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About this entry:
First published 1965 (SND Vol. VI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
MAIL, n.3 Also male. A trunk, a travelling-bag, a saddle-bag. In pl. = baggage, luggage. Obs. in Eng. since early 18th c.Rs. 1732 W. MacGill Old Ross. (1911) II. 130:
A large male for the streeting, 12s. . . . 2 crook sadles with their male peilions, 9s. 6d.Sc. 1820 Scott Abbot xxxviii.:
They charged me with bearing letters for the Queen, and searched my mail.Abd. c.1830 Robin Hood and the Beggar in Child Ballads No. 134. lxxvii.:
In every hand he took a nook Of that great leathern meal.Sc. 1893 Stevenson Catriona xvii.:
He . . . emptied out his mails upon the floor that I might have a change of clothes.Arg. 1901 N. Munro Doom Castle ii.:
Applying himself to the release of his mail from the saddle whereto it was strapped.
