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 1965 (SND Vol. VI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

MOOGILDIN, n. Also m(o)(u)gildin, mougeldin, mooguildin, -gellin; mudyoleen. A young coalfish or saithe, Gadus virens, roasted with the liver left inside or stuffed with additional livers (Sh. a.1838 Jam. MSS. XII. 146, 1866 Edm. Gl., 1914 Angus Gl.; Ork. 1929 Marw.; I.Sc. 1963). [mu′gɪldɪn, -′gɛldɪn]Sh. 1899 J. Spence Folk-Lore 177:
The liver of the fish was extensively used in a fresh state, and entered into the formation of numerous nutritious dishes, such as . . . krappin, mooguildin, hakka muggies and slot.Ork. 1908 Old-Lore Misc. I. vi. 223:
We got wir fills o' neu tattas an' sat herrin steeped, or maybe twa tree moogellins we catched wirsils.Ork. 1920 J. Firth Reminiscences 102:
Fried or baked on the coals without being dighted they [sillocks] were called “mougeldings”, and were considered a great delicacy. If the tails turned up during the process of cooking it was believed to be a sign that more fish were to come.