A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 1937 (DOST Vol. I).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1558-1600
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Balling, vbl. n.1 [f. F. ball-er to dance.] Dancing; holding or frequenting of balls. 1558-66 Knox II. 473.
There was nothing in the Court but banquitting, balling, and dancing 1570 Leslie 265.
Thair was used [at Paris] a princely dansinge, called the ball royall, … and quhosone the balling was endit [etc.] 1596 Bk. Univ. Kirk III. 873.
The Queens Majesties ministrie to be reformit; and tuiching her companie, … night walking, balling, &c. 1600 6th Rep. Hist. MSS. App. 666/1.
Thair is no thing sein at Paris bot feisting, balling, and all … mirrines
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"Balling vbl. n.1". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 13 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/dost/balling_vbl_n_1>
