Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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

GEMLET, n. Also gemblet, gemlad (Cai.); gemlick, ¶gamelock. Sc. forms of Eng. gimlet (Rxb. 1825 Jam., gemlick, -blet, 1923 Watson W.-B., 1942 Zai, -ick; Bwk. 1942 Wettstein; Sh., Cai., gemlad, Mry., Abd., Ags., Fif., wm.Sc., Rxb. 1954). [Sc. ′gɛmlət, but Ags., Rxb. -ɪk, Cai. -əd (see P.L.D. § 158), Sh. ′gjɛmblət]Ork. 1747 P. Ork. A.S. XII. 49:
7 Gemblets, 2 brass Levells.Lnk. c.1779 D. Graham Writings (1883) II. 133–4:
Needles, prins, . . . elshin irons, gemlets.Ags. 1825 J. Ross Sermon 16:
Her heart was boss as ony hemlock Where slight an' falsehood play'd teet-bo Thro' holes where Cupid thrust his gamelock.