Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1934 (SND Vol. I).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1891-1934
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‡BILBIE, n.
1. "Shelter, residence" (Ags. 1808 Jam.).Ags. 1891 J. M. Barrie Little Minister (1892) viii.:
"What mortal man can do," Wearyworld said, "we're doing; ay, and mair, but she's auld wecht, and may find bilbie in queer places."
2. (See quot.)Ags. 1934 (per Ags.1):
Bilbie. Of wider meaning than shelter and means freedom, scope.
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"Bilbie n.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 18 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/bilbie>
