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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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First published 1952 (SND Vol. III).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Quotation dates: 1937

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COMMARLEY, v. "To gossip" (Tyr. 1931 "Tyroner" in North. Whig (7 Dec.) 9/6).Uls. 1937 (per Uls.3):
They're always commarleyin' about somethin'.

[Of doubtful origin. Perhaps a corruption of comaalye (come all ye . . .), used in Uls. to mean an old song (from the first line of many ballads), a gathering or "caley," the gossip at the gathering, etc. In certain districts the word is understood as "come early," and is used at parting as an invitation and farewell simultaneously (Uls.3). Connection with Ir. comhairle, a council, conference, is doubtful.]

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"Commarley v.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 13 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/commarley>

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