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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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First published 1956 (SND Vol. IV). Includes material from the 1976 and 2005 supplements.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

FURLI(E)-, -Y-. In various fanciful combs., as -fa, -gee, -gig(gy), -gorum, -gum, -majigger; forligig; furliemajig, with the general notion of something fantastic, garishly ornamental, intricate or trifling.

1. A whirligig (Abd.⁷ 1925, -gum, Abd. 1931, -gorum, -majigger). Also fig. of a frivolous girl (Abd. 1900 E.D.D.).Abd. a.1880 W. Robbie Yonderton xxxiii.:
Like a roon pailin' post, wi' a forligig o' the tap o't.Abd. 1881 W. Paul Past & Present 128:
Dance to your daeddy, my bonnie lamb, An' ye'll get a fishy in a little dishy, An' a furly-giggy, an' a souple Tam.

2. A gew-gaw, a showy ornament of little value (Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 56, -fa, Abd.⁴ 1931, -gorum, Abd.²⁷ 1953, -majigger).Abd.¹⁵ 1928:
She hid as monie queer furlie-fas in her hat.Abd. 1952 Ballads (Gsw. Ball. Club) V. 53:
Sax furligorums o' caun'le-sticks An' twa fancy scallopit trays.

3. A trifling excuse (Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 56, -fa). Also as a v., to make a fuss, many trifling excuses before doing anything (Ib.).

4. A piece of machinery, a mechanical contrivance, esp. one that revolves or has wheels (Abd.²⁷ 1953, -majigger; Abd. 1990s, furliemajig).ne.Sc. 1921 Swatches o' Hamespun 13:
Tae sit listenin' tae the furligee [gramophone].Abd.¹⁵ 1928:
Is that thingie for ca'in the furlie-fa?