Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1941 (SND Vol. II).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1795, 1889-1918
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CALLOO, Calaw, Caloo, Kaloo, Kallu, Kaa'lu, n. and v. [kɑ′lu:]
1. n.
(1) The long-tailed duck, Anas (Harelda) glacialis (Sh., Ork. 1908 Jak. (1928), kallu; Ork. 1929 Marw., kaloo).Sh., Ork. 1889 H. Saunders Manual Brit. Birds 443:
In the Orkneys and Shetlands, [the bird] is well known as "Calloo," from the loud musical note of the male, and is to be met with on all the inlets or voes.Ork. 1795 Stat. Acc.1 VII. 546:
Among these we may reckon . . . the calaw, the scarf, and the seapie.
(2) "The pintail duck" (Sh., Ork. 1866 Edm. Gl., caloo; Sh. 1914 Angus Gl., kaa'lu; Ork. 1805 G. Barry Hist. of Ork. (1867) 294), Anas (Dafila) acuta.
2. v. To make a noise like the above; to call.Sh.(D) 1918 T. Manson Humours Peat Comm. I. 116:
The islets at the entry were flecked with sea birds callooing each to the other.
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"Calloo n., v.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 5 Apr 2026 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/calloo>
