An Auld Scot and Gael Glossary
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A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
A
- Argent, silver
Azure, vivid blue
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B
Bigly , beautiful
Birdalane , or burdalane, a term of sorrowful endearment, applied to an only child, especially a girl, to signify she is without household companions or champions.
Blavers , blue cornflower
Bodle, a small Scottish coin of less value than a bawbie, a sixth of an English penny
Breacan feile, Highlander’s plaid cloth worn about torso, literal translation; spotted cloth
Breeks, nether garments of men, also trews, breeches
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C
Cailleach, Pagan healer, high priestess
Caird, tinker
Canteran, a term applied by Lowlanders to a Highland marauder, thought to be lawless predators.
Claymore, long double edged broad sworn worn on the back
Coll, embrace
Coof, a fool, blockhead
Cumburenda, burning at the stake
Cushat, a turtledove, a wood pigeon
Cuttie stool, a short three-legged stool
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D
Darg, a job of work
Dautie, a darling, one who is fondled and affectionately treated
Dirk, foot long blade worn at the waist
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E,F
Fashious, troublesome
Fey, fated, bewitched, unlucky, one who’s fate is known or prophesized
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G
Glack, a ravine
Gled, a kite, hawk, a vulture
Glen, a meadow, Holm
Gloaming, the twilight
Glunch, an angry frown
Gowpens, two handfuls
Gules, red
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H
Havers, oats.
Haver-meal, oatmeal
Hinnie, term of endearment
Hizzie, a huzzy lass
Howdie or Howdie-wife, a mid-wife
Hurdies, the hips, rounded muscle bottom
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I
Ingle, the fire. Ingle-side, the fireside or hearth.
Inglin, fuel
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J,K
Kelpie, a water sprite
Kennen, rabbits
Kirk, church
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L
Laverock, the lark
Lymer, bloodhound
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M
Minnie, term of endearment for mother
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N,O
Or, gold
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P
Partrritch or Porridge, boiled oats seasoned with milk and salt, butter or beer.
Partan, crabs
Plaque-mail , a tax levied by many highland chieftains to protect cattle/travelers passing through their territories. Plaque mail(small Scottish coin) and not black-mail was the original term.
Poke, a bag or pouch
Posnet, a metal pot
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Q,R,S
Sark, the linen, woolen, silken, or cotton garment worn next to the skin by men and women
Sgian dubh, six to eight inch single sided knife carried normally under the arm, but worn on the calve when in alien company.
Smote, hit
Spae, a healer
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T,U,V
Vert, green
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W
Witherskins, to move or pass something against the course of the sun, wrong way around a table, etc.
Wowf, particularly deranged. Wud or Wode, raging or stark raving mad, whereas Daft is only slightly deranged.
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X,Y,Z
Yestreen, yesterday or last night
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