Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1968 (SND Vol. VII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
‡PALLAWA, n.
1. A small edible crab freq. used for bait (Fif. 1825 Jam., Fif. 1911). Also reduced dim. pallie, id. (Fif. 1965). Cf. peeler, s.v. Peel, Pulloch, Piller. [′pɑləwǫ]
2. A worthless or dastardly fellow.Fif. 1825 Jam.:
“Will I be slairtit be sic a Pallawa?” Shall I be outdone by such a poltroon?