Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

Hide Quotations Hide Etymology

Abbreviations Cite this entry

About this entry:
First published 1956 (SND Vol. IV).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

¶GAWLIN, n. See quot. Phs. the brent goose, Branta bernicla.w.Sc. 1703 M. Martin Western Islands 71:
The Gawlin, is a Fowl less than a Duck; it is reckon'd a true Prognosticator of fair weather, for when it sings fair . . . good weather always follows.