Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

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.

KILCHAN, n. Also kilchin, kelchin. Variant forms of Calchen, Coulichan, q.v., an open iron rack hung in a chimney to dry “fir-candles” (Abd. 1912 Catalogue Univ. Anthrop. Museum 21). Also fig., an offensive term for a strong but lazy man who loafs about the fireside (Abd.⁸ 1917, “a sweer kilchan”, Abd.² 1941). [′kɪlçən]Abd. 1845 Stat. Acc.² XII. 534:
Being dried on the kilchan, or on a kind of rough brander with spiral bars, they are made use of in place of candles.Abd. 1923 J. R. Imray Village Roupie 7:
A kilchan, a quern, an auld eelie lamp.