Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

Hide Quotations Hide Etymology

Abbreviations Cite this entry

About this entry:
First published 1965 (SND Vol. VI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

MATSILL, n. Also m(a)'tsill, mytsill (Mry. 1930 Abd. Press & Jnl. (22 Jan.)). A term of endearment to a child, my little one, dear. See also Chile. [mə′tsɪl]Mry. 1914 H. J. Warwick Tales 64:
With a whispered “Hae, matsill”, she withdrew the treasure from beneath her apron.Abd. 1930 Abd. Press & Jnl. (27 Jan.):
In soothing tones if a child was in trouble or crying. She would say, “Come awa t' me, ma't'sill”.