Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1974 (SND Vol. IX).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1703-1779, 1907-1931
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VEAL, n.1 Also Sc. forms veill, veall; I.Sc. veel, vael (Sh. 1900 Shetland News (11 Aug.)), vale, vaal. Sc. usages. [vi:l, ve:l]
1. A calf, especially one killed for food or reared for this purpose (Ork. 1973). Now obs. or dial. in Eng.Sc. 1703 Foulis Acct. Bk. (S.H.S.) 319:
For a veill head . . 4s 0d.Per. 1737 Ochtertyre Ho. Bk. (S.H.S.) 13, 31:
Killed a veall. . . . Supper the vealls fraze.Bnff. 1763 W. Cramond Annals Cullen 104:
For each beef sold in the Shambles 3d, each mutton 1d, each veal, ½d.Lnk. a.1779 D. Graham Writings (1883) II. 80:
The feeding of veals for slaughter.Ork. 1907 Old-Lore Misc. I. iv. 132:
I cinna cut der necks an' haave dem ower da dyke like vales.
2. A simpleton, ninny (Ork. 1929 Marw., veel, Ork. 1973).Ork. 1931 J. Leask Peculiar People 136:
Gin 'e waaned dat Herrie waas da muckle vaal till gae in wi 'oot a teullya for id, 'e waas sair mistaen.
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"Veal n.1". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 17 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/veal_n1>
