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.
Quotation dates: 1728-1820, 1871-1915
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†HEAL, n. Also hele (Sc. 1710 T. Ruddiman Gl. to Douglas Aeneis), heil (Abd. 1809 J. Skinner Amusements 27), heel (Sc. 1721 Ramsay Poems (S.T.S.) I. 114); hale. Health, freedom from sickness. [hi:l; also he:l. See P.L.D. §88.]Sc. 1728 Ramsay Poems (S.T.S.) II. 107:
With blythsome Heal her Strength renew, That throw lang Life she may be young.Abd. 1768 A. Ross Helenore 29:
I wrate him back, that ye yeed aff frae me, Wi' time enough, in time at hame to be; An' in gueed heal.Ayr. 1795 Burns To Mr Mitchell v.:
My hale and weel, I'll tak a care o't A tentier way.Mearns 1819 J. Burness Plays, etc. 285:
Come, sirs, I wish you a guid heal An' a happy new year.Mry. 1820 J. Cock Homespun Lays 102:
Believe me, lad, I'm blythe to hear Ye keep your health an' heal.Abd. 1915 H. Beaton Benachie 109:
It may be a lang life an' ill heal wi' you. Nae fear o' deein'.
¶Combs.: heal-had(d)in, heal-makin', salvation.Sc.(E) 1871 P. H. Waddell Psalms iii. 8:
Heal-ha'din 's wi' the Lord him lane.Sc.(E) 1871 P. H. Waddell Psalms xviii. 2:
I maun lippen till himlane; my schild, the horn o' my heal-makin, an' my heigh-ha'.
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"Heal n.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 5 Feb 2026 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/heal_n>
