Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1965 (SND Vol. VI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1914-1930
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MATSILL, n. Also m(a)'tsill, mytsill (Mry. 1930 Abd. Press & Jnl. (22 Jan.)). A term of endearment to a child, my little one, dear. See also Chile. [mə′tsɪl]Mry. 1914 H. J. Warwick Tales 64:
With a whispered “Hae, matsill”, she withdrew the treasure from beneath her apron.Abd. 1930 Abd. Press & Jnl. (27 Jan.):
In soothing tones if a child was in trouble or crying. She would say, “Come awa t' me, ma't'sill”.
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"Matsill n.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 9 Feb 2026 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/matsill>
