Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1960 (SND Vol. V).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1845, 1898-1922
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HALLOW, n.3 Also hallo (Edm., Angus) and halloe. [′hɑlo]
1. A bundle or sheaf of straw, gen. used as cattle fodder or for thatching (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl., 1914 Angus Gl.; Ork. 1929 Marw.; Cai.3 1931; I.Sc., Cai. 1956).Sh. 1845 Stat. Acc.2 XV. 124:
The general food of the cows in winter consists of a small “hallow” or “wap” of straw between two, night and morning.Sh. 1898 “Junda” Klingrahool 24:
Du'll gie dem a halloe tweest every twa, An a peerie air o coarn.Ork. 1922 J. Firth Reminisc. 32:
In tying up large bundles of straw called hallows the sookan was always used as a band.
2. The spotted dogfish, Scyllorhinus caniculus (Ork. 1930 Fishery Board Gl.). For this development of meaning cf. Holgin, Hullion.
[Cf. Norw. dial. halge, a bundle of straw, holge, a wisp of hay. Found in O.Sc. 1567–1623 for Cai. and Ork., appar. an early borrowing from Scand. and hence the vocalised ending.]You may wish to vary the format shown below depending on the citation style used.
"Hallow n.3". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 6 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/hallow_n3>
