Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1941 (SND Vol. II).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
†BULL, n.3 In phr. black bull of Norroway, a bogey invoked to scare a child into subjection. Cf. Black Cow and Black Ox. Not known to our authorities R.B. and W.J.W.Ags. 1818 Edb. Mag. II. 117:
Here Noroway is always talked of as the land to which witches repair for their unholy meetings. . . . A child is kept quiet by telling it the Black Bull of Norroway shall take it.
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"Bull n.3". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 18 May 2024 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/bull_n3>
