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: 1904
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CEELIEHOO, Ceelyhoo, n. An unetymological spelling for Seelie-hoo, q.v. [′sili′hu]
1. A caul, the membrane sometimes covering a child's head at birth and regarded as a charm or good omen (Abd.4 1928, ceelyhoo). Known to Abd.9, Fif.10 1939.Abd. 1904 W. A. G. Farquhar Fyvie Lintie 42:
Whan I was born . . . A lucky caul or ceeliehoo Close ower my face was spread.
2. “A kind of close cap or mutch for the head, fastening under the chin” (Bnff.3 1930). Cf. Caul, n.2
[From Seely, blessed, lucky, and Hoo, a head-dress, cap; a caul. Cf. Ger. glückshaube.]You may wish to vary the format shown below depending on the citation style used.
"Ceeliehoo n.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 12 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/ceeliehoo>
