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A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)

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First published 2002 (DOST Vol. XII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Wel(l, Wal(l, v. Also: uall, weld. [ME and e.m.E. wallenn (Orm), wall(en (c1200), welle(n (a1225), well (Cursor M.), wel (1570), OE weallan, wiellan, Angl. wællan, wellan (to cause) to boil, MLG wallen, wellen, MDu. wellen, MFlem. wallen, ON vella.]

1. fig.To plunge, embroil (persons) in wa (woe). c1450-2 Howlat 499 (A).
The wyis quhar the wicht went war in wa wellit

2. tr.To subject (metal) to intense heat, to soften (it) by this means; to weld (metal). Also transf. b. intr.Of metal: To melt, amalgamate (by the process of casting).(a) 1513 Doug. viii vii 128.
Intill hys … caif The … Ciclopes forgit furth and draif Brontes … and … Pyracmon The glowand irne to well [Ruddim. wel] and peyn 1513 Doug. viii vii 174.
A hug … scheild … In euery place sevin ply thai well and call c1520-c1535 Nisbet Ep. Ald Test. iv 4.
Thai sal well [P. well] togiddir thar suerdis into cultiristransf. 1513 Doug. viii vii 135.
Thre rawys wel tha of the frosyn hail(b) 1633 M. Works Acc. (ed.) II 384.
Ane boll of kolles to wall the evebandes xx s.b. 1647 J. Hope Diary (1919) 135.
The yron oare is found within halfe a foote of the turfe which will wall togither lyke osement yron

c. fig.Of (groups or classes of) persons: To amalgamate, blend together. 1598 James VI Basil. Doron 200/8.
Mixing throuch … daylie conuersation the men of euerie kingdome … maye uith tyme make thaime to grou & uall [1599 weld] all in ane a1605 Montg. Misc. P. ii 1.
The Court and Conscience wallis not weill. These tua can nevir weill accord a1605 Montg. Misc. P. ii 12.
The court some qualities requyrs Quhilk conscience can not but accuse … court and conscience wals no weill 1611-57 Mure True Crucifixe 2692.
‘Tis base to thinke … That Christ and Belial can together stay … they can, nor mixe, nor wall 1659 A. Hay Diary 40.
Parliament and the protestant partie wold wal together