A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 1963 (DOST Vol. III).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1399-1420
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Kerlyng, n. Also: -yne. [North. ME. (once) kerling (Cursor M.), ON. kerling woman, espec. old woman, fem. of karl, Carl(e n. The common later form is Carling.] An old woman. Also as a term of disparagement applied to any woman = a hag, a witch. — a1400 Legends of the Saints xxx. 21.
Thru flatry Of kerlyngis that … Ȝung mene betresis oft-syse a1400 Ib. 227.
Than mad the kerlyng sum dangere a1400 Ib. xlvi. 48.
A kerlyne come hir to, A mediatryce c1420 Wynt. v. 4777.
Toedora … , A wykkyd qwene off fellowne fame, … This kerlyng gert this pape be drawyn A quhill wyth hors c1420 Ib. iii. 762 (C).
Than he fande that druwy dowde Amang a pak of kerlyngis lowde Flitande reddy for to fecht
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"Kerlyng n.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 5 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/dost/kerlyng>
