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.
‡HELSE, v. Also hels(k) (Jak.).
1. To have a liking for, be sympathetic towards someone (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl., 1908 Jak. (1928), hels, Sh. 1957); to agree, harmonise together (Ib.).
2. To talk to, to greet or treat a person in a kindly manner (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928), Sh. 1957); to accept as a lover (Sh. a.1838 Jam. MSS. XII. 105, 1866 Edm. Gl.).
3. To wish one luck (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928), helsk, Sh. 1957); to drink a person's health (Sh. 1914 Angus Gl.).
[O.Sc. hels, 1576, helse, 1585, greet, salute; O.N. heilsa, to greet, wish luck to.]You may wish to vary the format shown below depending on the citation style used.
"Helse v.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 12 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/helse>
