Browse

Search

à è ì ò ù á é í ó ú

? - Any single letter
~ - Any sequence of vowels
* - Sequence of any letters

Lenited forms: Accent insensitive:

Search Scope

All:
Headwords Only:
Definitions Only:

There were 7203 hits for AN

--blank--: chuir e air ~ a chuile sian [DAG]; b’ fheàrr leam gu robh ~ againn air a dhol a-mach [DAG]; e a’ cur air ~ gunna; a’ cur an eagail air cnapach sa ~ ud; gu dè ‘n ~ a ghearras tu e?
[MM]; cha d’fhuair e an cuireadh ‘s cha robh e air a dh. idir; well, tha i seo air a ~, Màiri Bhàn; tha nigheanan beag’ air an ~, na truaghain; chaidh mise a choimhead air an ~ anns an
d’fhuair mi e; ‘n ~ ‘s gum biodh i sàbhailte; an ~ a fhuair iad clìor; an ~ a tha an lagh; an ~ anns an robh an duine ‘ bh’ ann ag actadh;dòigh: an ~ sa chuala mise e; anns an ~ a their iad e
(?) [MAE]; ‘s e an aon Ghàidhlig a th’ aca ach an ~a bhruidhneas iad [MAE]; a chuile trip a bhiodh e ‘ dol sìos ‘~ ‘s gum faigheadh e na voteichean
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
--blank--: ipv.:gabh e [òran]!; vbl nn: cha robh mi ‘ gabhail sian orm air an òran;'s i ' ~ail oirre, mas fhìor; tha mi ‘ dol a ghabhail orm [‘pretend’] gur e Gypsy a th’ ionnam; [‘is
possible’]: rinn mi chuile sian a ghabhadh dèanamh innte; tha siud cho ceart 's a ghabhadh e; chaidh duine a mharbhadh a ghabhadh sàbhaladh muram biodh Latha nan Car ann;
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
--blank--: ~ na bu shine na sinn; bha e ‘ treabhadh ~; dè am ~ don t-seann dùthaich? [MM]; pl.: ~an beaga do dh’iarann, theireadh [-əɣ] e leis e [DAG?];
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
--blank--: bha ‘n rathad an uair ud, cha robh e air a ghraveladh idir ‘s bha e ’na ~ ’s na ’eabair
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
air prep.: ‘after’: air an ùrlar [ɛr ́ən ũ:ɫar ́]; bha sinn air ar bàthadh [vɑ ʃiɲ er ́ər pɑ:həɣ]
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Victoria Co., North Shore, Tarbot
Category: Tarbot, North Shore wordlist
an Caithream Fairis topon.: [ə khɑrəm fɑriʃ] Boglaich a’ Chaithreim Fairis (?) [ə xɑrəm fɑriʃ].
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness County, Broad Cove Chapel
Category: Seosamh Watson collection notebook date: Jan-May 1991
an-dè advb.: ‘yesterday’: an-dè [ə ɲe:]
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Victoria Co., North Shore, Tarbot
Category: Tarbot, North Shore wordlist
an-dè advb.: ‘yesterday’: an-dè [əɲ d ́e:]
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, North Shore, Wreck Cove
Category: Wreck Cove, North Shore wordlist
an-raoir advb.: ‘last night’: bha i ’ reodhadh an-raoir [va i rɔ-əɣ ə r˻øi˼r ́]
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Iona, Barra Glen
Category: Barra Glen, Iona wordlist
aoidion n.: ‘water-tight’: aoidion air a bhàta [ɯ:t ́an ɛr ə va:tə]
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, North Shore, Wreck Cove
Category: Wreck Cove, North Shore wordlist
bean an taighe n.: ‘housewife’: bean an taighe [pɛn ən̪ tʰehə]
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, North Shore, Wreck Cove
Category: Wreck Cove, North Shore wordlist
bàta n.: ‘boat’: aoidion air a bhàta [ɯ:t ́an ɛr ə va:tə]; bàta seòladh ‘sailing boat’ [pa:tə ʃɔ:ɫəɣ]
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, North Shore, Wreck Cove
Category: Wreck Cove, North Shore wordlist
coileach n.: ‘rooster’:( tha) an coileach a’ gairm [əŋ kʰɔləx ə kɤr ́ɤ̀m]
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, North Shore, Wreck Cove
Category: Wreck Cove, North Shore wordlist
crodh n.: ‘cattle’: an crodh [ə ŋr̥uʰ]
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Victoria Co., North Shore, Tarbot
Category: Tarbot, North Shore wordlist
càl n.: ‘cabbage’:‘ siud mar chaidh an càl a dholaidh/ stick a’ mhin ri màs a’ choire/ aig na bodaich sgallte [ʃit mər xɑi̯ əŋ khɑ:ʁ̫ ə ɣɔʁ̫iç stik ́ ə vin ri mɑ:s ə xɔr ́ə ɛk ́ nə pɔtiç
skɑʁ̫t ́ə]; cf. Creighton, H. and MacLeod, C. ‘Gaelic songs in Nova Scotia’, Ottawa (1964), 248-250.
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness County, Broad Cove Chapel
Category: Seosamh Watson collection notebook date: Jan-May 1991
daorach n.: ‘intoxication’: an daorach [ndø:rəx]; tha ’n daorach air [hɑ nø:rəx ər]
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Victoria Co., North Shore, Tarbot
Category: Tarbot, North Shore wordlist
deamhain n.: ‘devil’: an deamhain [ə ɲt ́o-ɩɲ]
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, North Shore, Wreck Cove
Category: Wreck Cove, North Shore wordlist
doctair: ‘[medical] doctor’: leis an doctair [lɛʃ ən dɔktɛr ́].
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness County, Broad Cove Chapel
Category: Seosamh Watson collection notebook date: Jan-May 1991
dolaidh n.: ‘harm’: mar chaidh an càl a dholaigh [ə ɣɔʁ̫iç]
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness County, Broad Cove Chapel
Category: Seosamh Watson collection notebook date: Jan-May 1991
doras n.: ‘door’: gen. sg. nan deaghadh tu chon an dorais [nɑ ɲt ́˻eə˼ tu xɔn ə tɔriʃ]
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Victoria Co., North Shore, Tarbot
Category: Tarbot, North Shore wordlist
eaglais n.: ‘church’: às an eaglais [as əɲ ɤkɫɩʃ]
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, North Shore, Wreck Cove
Category: Wreck Cove, North Shore wordlist
fearann n.: ‘field’: ron an fhearann [rɔn əɲ ɛrən]
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Victoria Co., North Shore, Tarbot
Category: Tarbot, North Shore wordlist
gairm vbl. n.: ‘crow’:( tha) an coileach a’ gairm [əŋ kʰɔləx ə kɤr ́ɤ̀m]
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, North Shore, Wreck Cove
Category: Wreck Cove, North Shore wordlist
gus an conj.: ‘until’: gus an tig e [kəs ə ɲik ́ e]
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, North Shore, Wreck Cove
Category: Wreck Cove, North Shore wordlist
le prep.: ‘by, with, to’: with art. sg. leis an doctair [lɛʃ ən dɔktɛr ́]; pron. 3sg.m. leis, thubhairt mi leis [liʃ].
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness County, Broad Cove Chapel
Category: Seosamh Watson collection notebook date: Jan-May 1991
leanabh n.: ‘child’: leanabh [ʎanu/ ʎanəv]; pl. [ʎanəpən].
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Iona, Barra Glen
Category: Barra Glen, Iona wordlist
reodh vb.: ‘freeze’: bha i ’ reodhadh an-raoir [va i rɔ-əɣ ə r˻øi˼r ́]
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Iona, Barra Glen
Category: Barra Glen, Iona wordlist
ri prep.: ‘to, at, by’: ris an t-sionnach [r ́iʃ ə ɲt ́hụnəx]; thuirt e rium [huʈ ɑ r ́˻ɔu˼m]
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Victoria Co., North Shore, Tarbot
Category: Tarbot, North Shore wordlist
ro[= tro] prep.: ‘through’: ron an fhearann [rɔn əɲ ɛrən]
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Victoria Co., North Shore, Tarbot
Category: Tarbot, North Shore wordlist
sionnach n.: ‘fox’: ris an t-sionnach [r ́iʃ ə ɲt ́hụnəx]
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Victoria Co., North Shore, Tarbot
Category: Tarbot, North Shore wordlist
sneachda n.: ‘snow’: anns an t-sneachda [ɑs ən tʰrɑxk]
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Victoria Co., North Shore, Tarbot
Category: Tarbot, North Shore wordlist
snàth: tha i ’ toinneamh an t-snàth [hɑ i tʰɔɲu ən tʰrɑ:]
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Victoria Co., North Shore, Tarbot
Category: Tarbot, North Shore wordlist
taigh n.: ‘house’: an taigh [ən tʰøi̯]; gen. sg. bean an taighe [pɛn ən̪ tʰehə]
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, North Shore, Wreck Cove
Category: Wreck Cove, North Shore wordlist
talamh n.: ‘ground’: anns an talamh [as ə n̪ᵗhɑɫəv]
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, North Shore, Wreck Cove
Category: Wreck Cove, North Shore wordlist
thig vb.: ‘come’: gus an tig e [kəs ə ɲik ́ e]
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, North Shore, Wreck Cove
Category: Wreck Cove, North Shore wordlist
thèid vb.: ‘go’: a b’ e cà’n tèid thu [ə̥ pə kʰɑ: ɲe:t ́ u]; nan deaghadh tu chon an dorais [nɑ ɲt ́˻eə˼ tu xɔn ə tɔriʃ]
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Victoria Co., North Shore, Tarbot
Category: Tarbot, North Shore wordlist
toinneamh vbl. n.: ‘twist’: tha i ’ toinneamh an t-snàth [hɑ i tʰɔɲu ən tʰrɑ:]
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Victoria Co., North Shore, Tarbot
Category: Tarbot, North Shore wordlist
uisge n.: ‘water’: an t-uisge [ən tʰu̎ʃt ́ə]
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, North Shore, Wreck Cove
Category: Wreck Cove, North Shore wordlist
às prep.: ‘out of’: às an eaglais [as əɲ ɤkɫɩʃ]
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, North Shore, Wreck Cove
Category: Wreck Cove, North Shore wordlist
ùrlar n.: air an ùrlar [ɛr ́ən ũ:ɫar ́]
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Victoria Co., North Shore, Tarbot
Category: Tarbot, North Shore wordlist
(1) Carcair: (Clove Hitch) Sin an snaim a tha ceangal na snòtaichean ris an druim anns gach lion.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
(1) Puta lin mhóir is lin sgadanach; Slige peileid: B’ àbhaist do shlige a’ phuta so a bhith air a dheanamh de pheileid caorach – sin craiceann caorach is a’ chloimh air spionadh dheth. ’S ann ainneamh a chi sibh iad so an diugh.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
(1) Siolan: (Sand eels) Tha iad so air an cladhach as an tràigh ghainmhich le gràpa no le corran.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
(2) Da shnaim càraidh: (Double-sheet Bend) Sin an snaim a tha ceangal na sreangan r’a cheile gan cur. ’Se a tha ceangal earball a’ chàbuill ri aon earball de ròpa na cruaidhe, agus a’ ceangal earball no cluas an lin mhóir no an lin bhig ri earball eile ròpa na cruaidhe.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
(2) Luga: (Lug-worm) Tha iad so air an cladhach as an traigh ghainmhich no as an laghach le spaid. Tha na siolan freagarrach (is na lugaichean) air lion beag a theid a chur air a’ chamus air an tràigh, ged a ni maorach is sgadan deagh iasgach an so cuideachd.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
(3) Aotraman: Ni aotraman mór mairt deagh phuta lin bhig air an tràigh le tìde mhath samhraidh.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
(3) Maorach: (Limpets) Tha am facal ‘maorach’ a’ ciallachadh anns an eilean so air fad ‘bàirnich’ (limpets). ’Se bàirneach a chanadh sinne ris a’ bhàirneach bheag bhàn a gheibheadh sinn ann an carraic stamh. Tha am maorach air a bhuain feir na sgeirean le òrd maoraich.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
(3) Poca chudaig: Tha am poca ga chur a mach do’n uisge agus tha pronnabhiadhadh ga chrathadh a mach ’na bhroinn. Nuair a chruinnicheas móran chudaig a dh’itheadh a bhiadhidh so tha thu ga thogail is tha do nàbuidh ga sgròbadh le mios. ’Se mios as fhearr na peile airson na h-oibreach so a chionn gum biodh cluasan a’ pheile dualtach air a dhol an sas anns an lion.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
(3) Snaim an iasgair: (Fisherman’s Bend) Sin an snaim a tha daonnan a’ ceangal a’ chàbuill ris a’ phuta, ged aig amannan theid carcair air.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
(4) Feusgan: (Mussel) ’So am biadhadh as àill leis an iasgair gus iasgach leis air an tràigh no aig airde.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
(4) Puta canabhais: ’Se iad so as pailte an diugh.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
(4) Tàbh beag: Ni bun slait chreagaich cas do’n tabh so. Chan fhaca mi ann an àite e ach ann an Uig an Ungaisiadar. Tha e air oibreachadh mar poca chudaig – a’ crathadh a’ phronnabhiadhaidh ’na bhroinn. Tha e cho aotram is nach leig thu leas fear sgròbaidh, dòirtidh tu fhein na bheir thu gu tir de chudaig do pheile no do chliabh.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
(5) Puta plastic: The e so duinte gu h-iomlan gun chlaigeann no toll shéididh, is an ailbheag, cruinn mar faine, a’ fàs a mach as an t-slige.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
(5) Sgadan: Tha an sgadan air a sgoltadh sios am broinn is an cnaimh air a thoirt as. Tha na boitean air an gearradh ann an cumadh ‘diamond’, is mar sin theid iad an glaic a cheile anns an sgùil is gheibhear barrachd dhuibh [sic] do bheul cumhang na sgùile.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
(5) Tàbh mór: ’Se ‘tigh-thàbhaidh’ a chanas na Nisich ris an tàbh so agus faodaidh mi a radh gur e Nis dachaidh an taibh so oir tha iad ann ’nan dusain. Chan fhaca mise gin ach aon dhuibh [sic] anns an Rudha, ’se ‘am poca’ bhiodh againne is bha am poca againn cho pailt is a tha an tigh thàbhaidh aig na Nisich. Tha e cho mór is cho trom is gum bi buarach air a cur mu mheadhon an fhir a bhios ag obair leis, is fear air a chùlaibh ga cumail, oir na’n tigeadh muir tarsainn gun fhiosd is an tàbh a muigh bhiodh e dualtach car a chur do’n tàbh is an t-iasgair a tharraing a mach. Ag iasgach le tàbh mór tha iad a’ biadhadh na creige, is nuair a chruinnicheas na cudaigean chun a phronnabhaidh-so, tha an t-iasgair a’ sàthadh sios an tàbh air an taobh a muigh is gan crodhadh ann eadar an tàbh ’sa chreag. Tha e a’ doirteadh na ghlacas e air a’ chreig is togaidh na bhios timchioll do na peileachan iad. ’Se duine làidir a dh’fheumas tu airson tigh thàbhaidh oibreachadh, ach is e daoine làidir a tha anns na Nisich.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
(6) Puta suap: So gad arcachan a tha air a cheangal dha no tri de aitheannan sios air càbull an lin bhig nuair a bhios sruth tìde mhara làidir ann. Bheir so beagan faochaidh don phut bho neart na tìde mhara.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
(6) Rionnach: Tha an rionnach air a sgoltadh sios an druim is tha e air a ghearradh airson biadhaidh mar an sgadan – cumadh diamon.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
(7) Puta gloine: So puta de ghloine uaine a bhios a’ tighinn air tir air a’ chladach a bhios a’ fosgladh bho thràbhlaichean nan tralairean. Tha iad mu shia oirlich a’ leud mun teis meadhon, is ni tri dhuibh [sic] ann am pios lin puta lin bhig ann an tìde mhath, ach tha iad duilich am faicinn ma bhios pluicean no coileach air a’ mhuir.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
(a) leora: Quotation: (A) leora, ’s tu thoilleadh tachairt riut. Notes: expletive. Probably from leabhair, “by the book”, i.e. the Bible. Cf. Irish dar an leabhar.
Location: Tiree, [Caolas? – one slip]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
(an t-) aodach: cloth.
Origin: ([Canada], Inverness Co., Lochaber) or ([Canada], Inverness Co., Lochaber dialect) or ([Canada], Inverness Co., Lochaber)
Category: Obair na Clòimhe / Wool-Working
(an t-) seic: bar with hooks to shift thread.
Origin: ([Canada], Inverness Co., Lochaber) or ([Canada], Inverness Co., Lochaber dialect) or ([Canada], Inverness Co., Lochaber)
Category: Obair na Clòimhe / Wool-Working
(an) soisgeil: the Gospel.
Origin: ([Canada], Inverness Co.) – Roman Catholic or (Lochaber – [Canada], Inverness Co.) – Roman Catholic or (Skye – [Canada], Inverness and Victoria? Co.’s) – Protestant
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
(b) A’ chas no an calp: The shaft of the hook.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
(c) an t-iarunn (no an ceap): Origin: Borraraig [Skye, Boreraig]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
(ceann is earball: Na’n gabhadh e deanamh bha am poll air a thoirt an ruith an leothaid, no air shiobhadh an leothaid, gus an ruitheadh an t-uisge. Chainte ‘Ceann a’ phuill ris a’ cheann ard, agus an ‘t-earball ris a’ cheann aig am biodh am bùirn ga fhàgail. Ceann – Earball – Uachdair no Broinn – Aodann no Agaidh eadar an druim ’s am broinn bho cheann gu earball.)
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
(d) An rifeag: The barb.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
(d) claisean: far am bi a’ chas (agus an sgrogan) a’ dol an greim ’san iarunn.
Origin: Borraraig [Skye, Boreraig]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
(e) An gob no an rinn: The point.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
(e) sgiath: a mach dìreach o’n iarunn air an taobh chlì.
Origin: Borraraig [Skye, Boreraig]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
(Faclan á Camaschros an sgìre Shléite san Eilean Sgitheanach.): Origin: Camaschros an sgìre Shléite san Eilean Sgitheanach [Skye, Camus Chroise]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
(fear air an iarunn ’s fear anns a’ pholl ): Location: Harris, Tarbert
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
(Seòladh): Tha dithis air am bi botunnan dionach ga cumail ’na h-aite an sin, no dithis anns an eathar le ràmh a fear an taice ris a ghrunn. Tha an t-uidheam iasgaich a nise ga chur innte – na raimh, an crann, an seòl, an stiùir, dà phuta, dà chàbull, dà chruaidh agus na sgùiltean. Tha an dubhan comhallach innte daonnan.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
-sa: [= so] deictic suffix ‘this’: a’ dol dha na h-eaglaisean aca fhèin, an latha-as
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
1. Ainm an inneil-chiùil fhéin, agus ainm gach pàirt air leth: Origin: Uibhisteach [Uist]
Category: Pìobaireachd / Piping
1. An Diabhul: from the Latin ‘Diabolus’.
Location: Killearnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
1. An druim: Location: [Harris], Leverburgh
Category: Togail Bhàtaichean / Boat-Building
1. An stéidh is am balla: Origin: Na Hearadh [Harris]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
1. An stéidh is am balla: Origin: Eileanaich [natives of Lewis]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
1. An stéidh is am balla: Origin: Skye
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
1. An stéidh is am balla: Origin: Barra
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
1. An stéidh is am balla: Origin: [Skye, Camus Chroise]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
1. An stéidh is am balla: [the page is missing but see below]
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
1. An stéidh is am balla: Location: [Lewis], Siabost
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
1. An stéidh is am balla: Origin: Geàrrloch (Loch Iubh) [Gairloch (Loch Ewe)]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
1. An stéidh is am balla: Origin: [Harris? – cf. ‘Taigh Croitear anns na Hearadh – an taigh anns an do rugadh mi.’]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
1. An stéidh is am balla: Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
1. casa beaga: tri fadan an taic a chéile – fear air oir agus a dhà air uachdar an tacas ris – an taobh a bha fodhpa a mach.
Origin: Borraraig [Skye, Boreraig]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
1. Motha’s mór is motha’s beag: Tha muinntir Bhun-easain an am Muile ag misneachadh so airson tuilleadh ’s mór agus tuilleadh ’s beag.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
1. Uachdar an tighe: Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
10. Uidheaman eile ma tha siùil air an cleachdadh: Location: [Harris], Leverburgh
Category: Togail Bhàtaichean / Boat-Building
11. A’ bleith an t-sìl: Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
11. A’ bleith an t-sìl: Origin: Na Hearadh [Harris]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
11. A’ bleith an t-sìl: Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
11. A’ bleith an t-sìl: Origin: [Barra]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
11. A’ bleith an t-sìl: Origin: Bràigh-Lochabar [Brae Lochaber]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
11. A’ bleith an t-sìl: Location: Na Hearadh [Harris], Finsbay
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
11. Parts of an oar: Location: Harris, Kyles Stockinish
Category: Togail Bhàtaichean / Boat-Building
11. Parts of an oar: Category: Togail Bhàtaichean / Boat-Building
2. Aig an teine: Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
2. Ainm gach pàirt dhen eathar eadar an druim ’s am beul, agus na broinn: Category: Eathraichean / Boats
2. Ainm gach pàirt dhen eathar eadar an druim ’s am beul, agus na broinn: Location: Na Hearadh, Gòbhaig [Harris, Gobhaig]
Category: Eathraichean / Boats
2. Am Fear a th’air an t-slabhruidh: the man hung on a chain.
Location: Killearnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
2. Am mullach ’s an tughadh: Origin: Na Hearadh [Harris]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
2. Am mullach ’s an tughadh: Origin: Eileanaich [natives of Lewis]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
2. Am mullach ’s an tughadh: Origin: Skye
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
2. Am mullach ’s an tughadh: Origin: Barra
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
2. Am mullach ’s an tughadh: Origin: [Skye, Camus Chroise]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
2. Am mullach ’s an tughadh: Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
2. Am mullach ’s an tughadh: Location: [Lewis], Siabost
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
2. Am mullach ’s an tughadh: Origin: Geàrrloch (Loch Iubh) [Gairloch (Loch Ewe)]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
2. Am mullach ’s an tughadh: Origin: [Harris? – cf. ‘Taigh Croitear anns na Hearadh – an taigh anns an do rugadh mi.’]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
2. Am mullach ’s an tughadh: Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
2. Maighdeann(an) (I), Gairdeanan.: (‘Maighdeannan’ againne.)
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Obair na Clòimhe / Wool-Working
2. Seòrsaichean de fhuaim: Fuaimean na mara, na gaoithe; Fuaimean bheathaichean is eòin; Fuaimean a bhios daoine deanamh dhan toil agus dha aindheoin, fuaimean anns an stamaig, seòrsaichean gàire, eubh no guth: Origin: Tiriodh [Tiree]
Category: Faireachdain / Senses
2. teinntean: na fàdan air an cur ’nan tarradanan beaga air chumadh teine mar a bhiodh e am meadhon an làir ’san tigh dhubh.
Origin: Borraraig [Skye, Boreraig]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
2.4. An overcast sky: Origin: [Barra]
Category: Sìde / Weather
2.4. An overcast sky: Origin: Harris, Horgabost or Harris, Kyles Stockinish
Category: Sìde / Weather
2.4. An overcast sky: Location: Na Hearadh, Gòbhaig [Harris, Gobhaig]
Category: Sìde / Weather
2.4. An overcast sky: Origin: Mull, Tobermory
Category: Sìde / Weather
2.4. An overcast sky: Origin: Tiree
Category: Sìde / Weather
2.4. An overcast sky: Category: Sìde / Weather
3. Air feadh an tighe (far am biodh na h-ainmhidhean): Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
3. A’ treabhadh no a’ ruamhar: an crann agus ainm gach pàirt dheth: Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
3. A’ treabhadh no a’ ruamhar: an crann agus ainm gach pàirt dheth: Origin: Na Hearadh [Harris]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
3. A’ treabhadh no a’ ruamhar: an crann agus ainm gach pàirt dheth: Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
3. A’ treabhadh no a’ ruamhar: an crann agus ainm gach pàirt dheth: Origin: [Barra]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
3. A’ treabhadh no a’ ruamhar: an crann agus ainm gach pàirt dheth: Origin: Bràigh-Lochabar [Brae Lochaber]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
3. A’ treabhadh no a’ ruamhar: an crann agus ainm gach pàirt dheth: Location: Na Hearadh [Harris], Finsbay
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
3. Cliathan (pl.): ’S ann a bha iad againne an àirde.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
3. Comharran cluaise ann an caoraich: Location: Na Hearadh, Gòbhaig [Harris, Gobhaig]
Category: Faireachdain / Senses
3. Gnathasan-cainnte tha bointinn ris an t-sùil: Category: Faireachdain / Senses
3. Gnathasan-cainnte tha bointinn ris an t-sùil: Location: Na Hearadh, Gòbhaig [Harris, Gobhaig]
Category: Faireachdain / Senses
3. Gnathasan-cainnte tha bointinn ris an t-sùil: Location: Na Hearadh [Harris], Horgabost
Category: Faireachdain / Senses
3. Gnathasan-cainnte tha bointinn ris an t-sùil: Origin: Tiriodh [Tiree]
Category: Faireachdain / Senses
4. An broinn an taighe: na sèamraichean: Origin: Na Hearadh [Harris]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
4. An broinn an taighe: na sèamraichean: Origin: Eileanaich [natives of Lewis]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
4. An broinn an taighe: na sèamraichean: Origin: Skye
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
4. An broinn an taighe: na sèamraichean: Origin: Barra
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
4. An broinn an taighe: na sèamraichean: Origin: [Skye, Camus Chroise]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
4. An broinn an taighe: na sèamraichean: Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
4. An broinn an taighe: na sèamraichean: Location: [Lewis], Siabost
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
4. An broinn an taighe: na sèamraichean: Origin: Geàrrloch (Loch Iubh) [Gairloch (Loch Ewe)]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
4. An broinn an taighe: na sèamraichean: Origin: [Harris? – cf. ‘Taigh Croitear anns na Hearadh – an taigh anns an do rugadh mi.’]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
4. An broinn an taighe: na sèamraichean: Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
4. An sioman dróma: This rope was usually double and went longitudinally from one hip-end to the other. It was always the first rope to be laid on the roof as all the horizontal ropes (except ones at a chimney which are made fast to the ‘sioman guallain’ [sic]) were made fast to it as also were the hip vertical ropes which were passed through loops on it. [NOTES: see the illustrations under ‘Some ropework terms’, ‘Ropework at hip with chimney’ and ‘Ropework at hip without chimney’.]
Location: [Tiree, Scarinish]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
4. An t-annspiorad: the Evil Spirit.
Location: Killearnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
4. Cabair: Chanadh sinn ‘cabair ri cabair’ an cumantas mu cheann an tighe.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
4. Names for certain beasts, e.g. an animal on which the owner bestows particular attention: Location: Lewis, Arnol
Category: Crodh / Cattle
4. Names for certain beasts, e.g. an animal on which the owner bestows particular attention: Origin: [Barra]
Category: Crodh / Cattle
4. Names for certain beasts, e.g. an animal on which the owner bestows particular attention: Origin: Leodhas [Lewis], Uig
Category: Crodh / Cattle
4. Names for certain beasts, e.g. an animal on which the owner bestows particular attention: Origin: ([Canada], Inverness Co.) or ([Canada], Inverness Co.) or ([Canada], Victoria Co.)
Category: Crodh / Cattle
4. Names for certain beasts, e.g. an animal on which the owner bestows particular attention: Origin: Barra
Category: Crodh / Cattle
4. Names for certain beasts, e.g. an animal on which the owner bestows particular attention: Origin: Assynt, Stoer
Category: Crodh / Cattle
4. Names for certain beasts, e.g. an animal on which the owner bestows particular attention: Origin: [Skye, Camus Chroise]
Category: Crodh / Cattle
4. Names for certain beasts, e.g. an animal on which the owner bestows particular attention: Location: Na Hearadh, Gòbhaig [Harris, Gobhaig]
Category: Crodh / Cattle
4. Names for certain beasts, e.g. an animal on which the owner bestows particular attention: Origin: Kill-Fhinn
Category: Crodh / Cattle
4. Names for certain beasts, e.g. an animal on which the owner bestows particular attention: Origin: Mull, Bunessan, Ardtun or Mull, Tobermory
Category: Crodh / Cattle
4. Names for certain beasts, e.g. an animal on which the owner bestows particular attention: Origin: Inverness-shire, Nethy Bridge
Category: Crodh / Cattle
4. Names for certain beasts, e.g. an animal on which the owner bestows particular attention: Origin: [Arran]
Category: Crodh / Cattle
4. Names for certain beasts, e.g. an animal on which the owner bestows particular attention: Origin: [the questionnaire gives Ross-shire but it is most probably meant as the county not origin]
Category: Crodh / Cattle
4. Names for certain beasts, e.g. an animal on which the owner bestows particular attention: Origin: Geàrrloch [Gairloch]
Category: Crodh / Cattle
4. Names for certain beasts, e.g. an animal on which the owner bestows particular attention: Origin: Tiree
Category: Crodh / Cattle
4. Names for certain beasts, e.g. an animal on which the owner bestows particular attention: Origin: [Islay, Ballygrant]
Category: Crodh / Cattle
4. Names for certain beasts, e.g. an animal on which the owner bestows particular attention: Category: Crodh / Cattle
5. Acfhuinn an eich airson gach seòrsa obair: Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
5. Acfhuinn an eich airson gach seòrsa obair: Origin: Na Hearadh [Harris]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
5. Acfhuinn an eich airson gach seòrsa obair: Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
5. Acfhuinn an eich airson gach seòrsa obair: Origin: [Barra]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
5. Acfhuinn an eich airson gach seòrsa obair: Origin: Bràigh-Lochabar [Brae Lochaber]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
5. Acfhuinn an eich airson gach seòrsa obair: Location: Na Hearadh [Harris], Finsbay
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
5. An cladh agus an uaigh: Origin: Skye
Category: Bàs is Adhlacadh / Death and Burial
5. An cladh agus an uaigh: Origin: Barra
Category: Bàs is Adhlacadh / Death and Burial
5. An cladh agus an uaigh: Origin: [Skye, Camus Chroise]
Category: Bàs is Adhlacadh / Death and Burial
5. An cladh agus an uaigh: Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Bàs is Adhlacadh / Death and Burial
5. An cladh agus an uaigh: Location: [Lewis], Siabost
Category: Bàs is Adhlacadh / Death and Burial
5. An t-àite-teine: Origin: Na Hearadh [Harris]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
5. An t-àite-teine: Origin: Eileanaich [natives of Lewis]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
5. An t-àite-teine: Origin: Skye
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
5. An t-àite-teine: Origin: Barra
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
5. An t-àite-teine: Origin: [Skye, Camus Chroise]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
5. An t-àite-teine: Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
5. An t-àite-teine: Location: [Lewis], Siabost
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
5. An t-àite-teine: Origin: Geàrrloch (Loch Iubh) [Gairloch (Loch Ewe)]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
5. An t-àite-teine: Origin: [Harris? – cf. ‘Taigh Croitear anns na Hearadh – an taigh anns an do rugadh mi.’]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
5. An t-àite-teine: Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
5. a’ chruach mhór: bha a’ chruach seo aig an tigh.
Origin: Borraraig [Skye, Boreraig]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
5. A’ toirt na mònach dhachaigh; an cliabh, etc.: Origin: Sgìre na Pàirc an Leódhas [Lewis, the Park district]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
5. A’ toirt na mònach dhachaigh; an cliabh, etc.: Location: Gearrloch, Achadh a’ Chairn [Gairloch, Auchtercairn]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
5. A’ toirt na mònach dhachaigh; an cliabh, etc.: Origin: Borraraig [Skye, Boreraig]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
5. A’ toirt na mònach dhachaigh; an cliabh, etc.: Location: Cinntire, An Ceann a Deas [Kintyre, Southend by Campbeltown]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
5. A’ toirt na mònach dhachaigh; an cliabh, etc.: Origin: Eileanaich [natives of Lewis]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
5. A’ toirt na mònach dhachaigh; an cliabh, etc.: Origin: [North Uist - according to the card index of Informants]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
5. A’ toirt na mònach dhachaigh; an cliabh, etc.: Origin: Barra
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
5. A’ toirt na mònach dhachaigh; an cliabh, etc.: Origin: Leódhas, An Rudha [Lewis, Rudha]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
5. A’ toirt na mònach dhachaigh; an cliabh, etc.: Origin: Cataobh [Sutherland – probably meant as the county not origin]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
5. A’ toirt na mònach dhachaigh; an cliabh, etc.: Origin: Camaschros an sgìre Shléite san Eilean Sgitheanach [Skye, Camus Chroise]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
5. A’ toirt na mònach dhachaigh; an cliabh, etc.: Origin: Uibhist-a-Tuath [North Uist]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
5. A’ toirt na mònach dhachaigh; an cliabh, etc.: Origin: [Lewis, Uig]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
5. A’ toirt na mònach dhachaigh; an cliabh, etc.: Location: North Uist, Grimsay
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
5. A’ toirt na mònach dhachaigh; an cliabh, etc.: Location: Na Hearadh, Gòbhaig [Harris, Gobhaig]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
5. A’ toirt na mònach dhachaigh; an cliabh, etc.: Location: Lewis, Lochs, Leurbost
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
5. A’ toirt na mònach dhachaigh; an cliabh, etc.: Location: Lewis, Port of Ness
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
5. A’ toirt na mònach dhachaigh; an cliabh, etc.: Origin: Ratharsaireach [Raasay]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
5. A’ toirt na mònach dhachaigh; an cliabh, etc.: Location: South Uist, Peninerine
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
5. A’ toirt na mònach dhachaigh; an cliabh, etc.: Location: An t-Eilean Sgiathanach, Portrigh [Skye, Portree]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
5. A’ toirt na mònach dhachaigh; an cliabh, etc.: Origin: Inbhirnis [Inverness – most probably meant as the county]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
5. A’ toirt na mònach dhachaigh; an cliabh, etc.: Location: Lewis, Shawbost
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
5. A’ toirt na mònach dhachaigh; an cliabh, etc.: Location: Harris, Tarbert
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
5. A’ toirt na mònach dhachaigh; an cliabh, etc.: Location: An t-Eilean Sgitheanach, Stafainn [Skye, Staffin]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
5. A’ toirt na mònach dhachaigh; an cliabh, etc.: Origin: [Taransay]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
5. Eadar a’ chluas ’s an adhairc.: Location: Killearnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
5. Spàrr, Spàrra-ghaoithe: Aon spàrr a bhiodh againne. Ach tha an dà ainm beò air na bilean fhathast.

Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
6. Airneis an taighe: Origin: Na Hearadh [Harris]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
6. Airneis an taighe: Origin: Eileanaich [natives of Lewis]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
6. Airneis an taighe: Origin: Skye
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
6. Airneis an taighe: Origin: Barra
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
6. Airneis an taighe: Origin: [Skye, Camus Chroise]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
6. Airneis an taighe: Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
6. Airneis an taighe: Location: [Lewis], Siabost
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
6. Airneis an taighe: Origin: Geàrrloch (Loch Iubh) [Gairloch (Loch Ewe)]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
6. Airneis an taighe: Origin: [Harris? – cf. ‘Taigh Croitear anns na Hearadh – an taigh anns an do rugadh mi.’]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
6. Airneis an taighe: Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
6. Aiseal an t-seic.: (Cha chuala mi a riamh e.)
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Obair na Clòimhe / Wool-Working
6. An daorach.: Location: Killearnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
6. An gath-droma: a bh’ againne.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
6. An t-àrd doras: [NOTES: see the illustration under ‘Some ropework terms’.]
Location: [Tiree, Scarinish]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
6. A’ cur an t-sìl: Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
6. A’ cur an t-sìl: Origin: Na Hearadh [Harris]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
6. A’ cur an t-sìl: Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
6. A’ cur an t-sìl: Origin: [Barra]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
6. A’ cur an t-sìl: Origin: Bràigh-Lochabar [Brae Lochaber]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
6. A’ cur an t-sìl: Location: Na Hearadh [Harris], Finsbay
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
6. Ullagan.: (Chan eil nì agam mu an a seo.)
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Obair na Clòimhe / Wool-Working
7. An dallanach.: Location: Killearnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
7. An Nàmhaid: the Enemy.
Location: Killearnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
7. A’ buain agus a’ tiormachadh an arbhair no an fheòir: Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
7. A’ buain agus a’ tiormachadh an arbhair no an fheòir: Origin: Na Hearadh [Harris]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
7. A’ buain agus a’ tiormachadh an arbhair no an fheòir: Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
7. A’ buain agus a’ tiormachadh an arbhair no an fheòir: Origin: [Barra]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
7. A’ buain agus a’ tiormachadh an arbhair no an fheòir: Origin: Bràigh-Lochabar [Brae Lochaber]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
7. A’ buain agus a’ tiormachadh an arbhair no an fheòir: Location: Na Hearadh [Harris], Finsbay
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
8. An Riabhach: the Brindled One.
Location: Killearnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
8. An stiùir agus uidheaman co-cheangailte: Location: [Harris], Leverburgh
Category: Togail Bhàtaichean / Boat-Building
9. A’ tasgadh an arbhair agus a’ bhuntàta: Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
9. A’ tasgadh an arbhair agus a’ bhuntàta: Origin: Na Hearadh [Harris]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
9. A’ tasgadh an arbhair agus a’ bhuntàta: Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
9. A’ tasgadh an arbhair agus a’ bhuntàta: Origin: [Barra]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
9. A’ tasgadh an arbhair agus a’ bhuntàta: Origin: Bràigh-Lochabar [Brae Lochaber]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
9. A’ tasgadh an arbhair agus a’ bhuntàta: Location: Na Hearadh [Harris], Finsbay
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
9. Iteachan (E), boban.: (‘Iteachan’ againn an Uig an iar. ‘Boban’ an cearnaidhean eile de’n eilean.)
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Obair na Clòimhe / Wool-Working
? currac an rìgh: [ku̜rəxk əṉ ri:]
Location: North Argyll
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[abaichead]: Tha e dol an abaichead. It is getting more and more ripe.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[acras]: Tha an t-acras orm.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[adag]: “Dà spot dhubh air an adag ’s earball fad’ air a’ chaoiteag.”
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[adha]: “Mi gus an adha dhubh a chur a mach leis an losgadh-bhràghad.” [NOTES: a question mark in the margin, most probably added by the person preparing the slips.]
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[aghaidh]: Bha mi an aghaidh sin a dheanamh. – I was against doing that.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[aghaidh]: Nach ann aige tha an dearg aghaidh? – Hasn’t he the utter impertinence?
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[aghaidh]: Cuir an aghaidh as fhearr a dh’fhaodas tu air. Put the best face possible on it.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[aghaidh]: Thug e an aghaidh air. He reproached him.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[aire]: Thug mi an aire air a’ phàisd. – I looked after the child.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[airgead]: Se gaol an airgiod freumh gach uilc. Money is the root of all evil.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[airidh]: Is math an airidh e. He richly deserves.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[aiteamh]: Aiteamh na gaoithe tuath air an t-sneachda, tuille a chur na cheann. North wind’s way of thawing – to add more snow.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[aithghearr]: Ann an aithghearr. In a “jiffy”.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[aithghearr]: So an t-aithghearr. The is the short cut.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[aithreachas]: Gabhaidh tu an t-aithreachas dheth. You will rue it.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[alaid]: An latha roimhe ’s mi ’fuine thainig am facal “alaid” a steach orm – a’ mhin thioram a bhios sinn ag cumail eadar an taois is an clàr. Cha chuala mi e bho dh’fhàg mi dachaidh m’òige – ’s dòcha gu e is aobhar gu bheil an fhuine air dol a mach a cleachdadh gu ire mhóir – ach chan ’eil mi ’ga lorg ’s na faclair. An alaid a bha chòrr an deidh na fuine, ’sann a shaitheach nan cearc a chuirt i ’s chan ann air ais do’n chiste – bha a’ mhin ’na ni cho glan ’s luachmhor ’san dachaidh ’s nach fhaoidte a truailleadh gu na h-ìre ud fhéin.
Location: Lewis, Stornoway
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[alair]: Facail eile – alair. Muime m’athar, ’s ann a Gearradh [?] Ard an sgire nan Loch a thàinig i. ’Nuair a bhiodh bàs ’s a bhaile ’s a bhite ag cumail tigh-fhaire, ’s e a theireadh ise ri sin – “alair”. An saoil sibh an e a bh’ann “olair” [sic] – bho ungadh romh adhlac no romh bhàs (extreme unction)? Chan fhaigh mi iad sin a bharrachd ’s na faclair. ’S dòcha nach eil mo litreachadh ceart – ’s tric nach eil!
Location: Lewis, Stornoway
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[am balla]: Bha am balla ’muigh sam balla staigh de chloich – feadhainn dhiubh gu math mor – agus a reir coltais cha do chosgadh cus uine ’gan snaidheadh (no time was wasted on dressing the stones). Bha am balla mu shia troighean a dh’airde – fad an taighe mu dha fhichead troigh – leud an taigh mu choig troighean deug.
Origin: [Harris? – cf. ‘Taigh Croitear anns na Hearadh – an taigh anns an do rugadh mi.’]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
[am broinn an tighe]: Cha bhitheadh móran, gheibheadh tu do chreach airson cluiche no caoch am broinn an tighe. Ach bhiodh againn seòrsa de chluicheannan, no seòrsa de lùth-chleasan, mar: 1. A’ tighinn troimh a’ chlobha. 2. A’ tighinn troimh a’ bhata. 3. Ag eirigh leis an eallach aotrom. ’S mar sin. Dh’fheumainn iad seo shuas a shealltainn.
Origin: Leodhas [Lewis], Uig
Category: Cur-seachadan: Dèideagan, Geamaichean is Farpaisean / Recreation: Toys, Games, Contests
[amadan]: “Chan eil eadar an duine glic is an t-amadan ach gur ceil an duine glic a rùn agus gun innis an t-amadan e.”
Location: North Uist, Grimsay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[amadan]: Measar an t-amadan glic ma chumas e a theanga.
Location: South Uist, Lochcarnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[amadan]: Mar thionndaidheas a’ chomhla air a bannaibh, pillidh an t-amadan a ghòraich.
Location: South Uist, South Lochboisdale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[amar]: 10. Bha an amar fiodh na dha phairt. An AMAR BEAG faisg air an ROTH agus an AMAR MOR faisg air an DAMM. Ghluaisteadh an AMAR BEAG sios no suas null no nall, chum’s gu sputadh e an TUIL direach air na LIAGHAN.
Location: [Lewis], Leurbost
Category: Muileann Lochlannach / Norse Mill
[amhach]: Nach e an aon chloimh chiabh an amhach. Means that the parties concerned are related to each other.
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[amhach]: “Is tu a chuir an gréim ’n am amhaich.” – Is tu a chuir an dragh, ’s a leithid sin ’n a mo luib.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[An Canastair]: Gu ma dhà-fhichead bliadhna air ais bha eaglais aig na h-Antis ann an Ceann Langabhat, eaglais bheag iaruinn (suinc) agus ’se An Canastair am far-ainm a bh’aig an fheadhainn eile oirre.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
[an ceann shios]: Ann a ceann shios an taighe bha na leabanan agus caithir neo dha.
Origin: [Harris? – cf. ‘Taigh Croitear anns na Hearadh – an taigh anns an do rugadh mi.’]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
[an ceap]: [See maodal]
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Crodh / Cattle
[An Ceasnachadh]: Ni eile a bhiodh aca (aig na Moderats), b’e sin An Ceasnachadh – ceasnachadh mu ghnothaichean a’ Bhìobuill ’s a’ chreideimh. Cho fad’s is aithne dhomh cha robh An Ceasnachadh aig an eaglais againne idir (An Eaglais Shaor Aonaichte).
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
[an coileir cruinn]: Chan eil nì àraid sam bith againn air son seo [i.e. ‘articles of dress or adornment worn by priests, ministers, etc.’]. Mur a h-eil ‘an coileir cruinn’. “Tha an coileir cruinn air.” (Tha coileir ministeir air.)
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
[an damhan rong mhor?]: [ən d-ˈ[ãũ]n rɔnɡ vɔ:r] daddy-long-legs. [NOTES: the slip has [ən dˈ[ãũ]n rɔŋ vɔ:r].]
Origin: Kill-Fhinn
Category: Crodh / Cattle
[an fhaing-ghlacaidh]: airson a bhith breith air na caoraich airson an diopadh (to be dipped).

Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
[an sobhal ’s a’ bhathach]: Bha an sobhal sa bhathach ceangailte ris an taigh: aig ceann shios an taighe bha balla cloiche eadar is iad. Cha robh crodh no beathach sam bith eile air an cumail san taigh chomhnaidh. Air do laimh dheas anns a bhathaich bha an crodh, agus an t-each – bha esan aig ceann shuas sa bathchadh [sic], agus aig an fhior cheann shuas bha an sobhal – cha robh e gle mhor ach bha duine comasach air an t-suisde oibreachadh ann.
Origin: [Harris? – cf. ‘Taigh Croitear anns na Hearadh – an taigh anns an do rugadh mi.’]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
[an stéidh]: Taigh Croitear anns na Hearadh - an taigh anns an do rugadh mi. Air a steidheachadh air criadh (clay foundation, black soil in the arca).
Origin: [Harris? – cf. ‘Taigh Croitear anns na Hearadh – an taigh anns an do rugadh mi.’]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
[an tughadh]: Bha an taigh seo air a thughadh le muran agus air a cheangaill sìos le sioman fraoich arneo rop Gallda ris an canadh iad – ciadhear. 1, 2, 3 etc. na casan ceangaill. 4. an gath droma. 5. na sparan. 6. na sparan. 7. luidheir. 8. maide-staraig. Bha na casan ceangaill air an cur sios air iomall a o [?] taigh a bhalla. Nuair a bha ’n taigh ullamh coiseachadh duine mor thimcheall air barr a bhalla. Bha bordan fiodh air an cur tarsuinn air na sparan fodh ’n mhuran. Co as a thainig am fiodh? Chan ’eil moran fiodha anns na Hearadh. Bha fiodh bharallain a bh’air deibheadh [?].

Origin: [Harris? – cf. ‘Taigh Croitear anns na Hearadh – an taigh anns an do rugadh mi.’]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
[an-amharusach]: “Tha e cho an-amharusach.” – duine suspicious.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Nàdur an Duine / Personality
[anail]: “Anail bheag thric an ceann gach cnuic, comhairle an duine ghlic d’a mhac.” – Facal. Bha mi ’ga chluinntinn a riamh. (Bhiodh seo nuair a bha an t-eallach tric.)
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[anamoch]: “Bidh danns anamoch aig an fheadhainn ud mu’n tugh iad tigh Chaluim.” – Will be pretty late.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[anart]: Bidh pailteas anart aig an deagh sniomhaiche.
Location: South Uist, Lochcarnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[antiseptics]: Note 8 (series): Antiseptics. 1. A cut being licked by a dog, that is letting the dog lick the cut with his tongue meant an antiseptic method. 2. Epsom salts – washed in or with water in which Epsom salts is diluted – the cut. 3. Hot water as hot as the patient could bear. 4. Coarse salt diluted in water, hot or cold, was used as a mouthwash in connection with decayed teeth, etc. 5. Tar smoke, or smoke from burning tar, coal tar or archangel tar, whiffs from it if inhaled lightly were a relief for bronchitis, congestion, catarrh. 6. Whisky and brandy were used as stimulants. As in faints. Rum and raw eggs, rum mixed with beaten raw eggs served as tonic. I remember seeing a gentleman using the first draft of undistilled whisky, a ‘gharbh-ghucag’ as a ‘liquid ointment’ for rheumatics, by rubbing it to the affected part.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[aodach]: Chuir iad thairis an t-eathar le cus aodaich. – Capsized with too much sail.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[aodach]: “Cha be daoine an t-aodach, ’s cha be a cholunn bhreugach.” – a proverb which refers to the outward artificial appearance of someone. It is his inner personality which counts.
Location: South Uist, Iochdar
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[aodann]: Chaidheadh e ann an aodann cruaich mhónadh.
Origin: [North Uist?]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[aois]: “Bha i an aois sin aig an obair sin.” ‘Aois’ used in the sense of a person being in a job for a number of years.
Location: South Uist, Lochcarnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[aois]: “’S minig a chaill do cho aoise bliadhna an earraich dhuibh.” – refers to the working capacity of people despite their old age.
Location: South Uist, Lochcarnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[aois]: Mìr a’ chuilair ris an aois – refers to an age gap which might exist between a couple who were courting.
Location: North Uist, Tigharry
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[aon]: Se fhein an t-aon duine. He is head cook and bottle washer.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[aotrom]: Is aotrom an ceann tha gu h-ard dhiot. – You are foolish in the head.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[aran]: “Bidh do chuid de’n aran fuinte.” “Ma thuiteas tu a nuas as an fhàradh sin bho mhullach an tighe, bidh do chuid de’n aran fuinte.”
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[ashes]: Note: I have heard of plants being burned into ashes and
these ashes used as a preservative for food, perhaps to give food some special flavour, or
preserve it further to achieve the flavour required, or to have it salted, so to speak,
although perhaps again not giving the same results as salt, more or less, more confined to,
could be, an ‘appetising’ method, or to give what was already proven, if done, it was more
associated with the appetite in another sense.
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Blàthan-Leighis / Medicinal Plants
[at]: abscess, infestation (at). Fuar-lit choirce, fuar-lit loaf, ’s ’n uair a thig an
t-at gu àirde ’n uair sin a’ leigeal (as termed) air le snàthaid.
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Blàthan-Leighis / Medicinal Plants
[ath]: ‘An ath fhear’, thuirt mi. Tha an ‘h’ agam-sa ann. Feuchaibh Ruairidh agus chanainn gur h-e ‘an ath fear’ a chanas e. Co dhiù, piuthar-a-mhàthar ann an Steòrnabhagh ’se ‘an ath tè’ a chanas i. Tha an ‘h’ againne ann an Uig air fad mar siod. Ach smait gur h-ann ri rud boirionn a tha an ‘h’ air a fàgail air an fheadhainn ud.
Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[athair]: Cha dean an t-athair breug ’sa mhac a staigh.
Location: South Uist, Lochcarnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[a’ chiste-mhine]: 3. A CHISTE-MHINE (AN T-SLOCHD) 2' wide by 2' 6" long held the meal cast forth by the spinning millstone. A CHISTE-MHINE was constructed of stone slabs, the joints filled with RIASG as mortar. (RIASG – peatmoss.)
Location: [Lewis], Leurbost
Category: Muileann Lochlannach / Norse Mill
[a’ gèadhadaireach]: “Am balach a’ gèadhadaireach air tobhta an tighe.” – The boy playing at fishing with a rod.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[a’ leigeal air an at]: Note 9: ‘A’ leigeal air an at’. An infested wound being pricked to enable the fester to discharge. A lance, a needle or the cut throat razor was used in the olden days, as we say. A lance was the professional way of doing it, or the doctor’s, the qualified doctor’s way of doing it, while it was done amateurish by a razor or a sewing needle, showing the same results, to a certain extent if not to the same technique. Before this operation was done, first of all the wound was brought to the point of a burst, say, that is with poultices, and after the fester being abstracted to the point again of having the collection of fester released.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[a’ tional maorach]: A reir de cho pailte s’ atha iad than giomach ri bhith air iasgach le cliabh ’s a chum fharlainn pailte a leabag mar bhiadh. Tha an crùban gaolach air iasg ùr, mar is bitheanta sòrnan is fhearr, air neo cudainn. A reir a pailteas air a’ ghrunnd b’e doigh(ch) a b’fhearr far a biodh faochaig pailte gach clach is feamann air neo roc a ghlanadh air fala as do rathad air thaobhs gu faodach leisinn [?] air an togail le’d dha làmh ’s gan cur anns a phail an triseach, sin do’m phoca. Fagaig an sin a fhaochaig, fiasgain ’s fhearr am fasgann dar a bhios i eadar an da luinn dluth air uisge fresh s mur a s bitheanta far am bith iad pailte mar sin gheobh thu pearls annta chionn tha iad nas mutha. ’S doich air a bhairneach darna cuid clach ma dha phùing le oir car giar agus a bualadh a sios a rathad le oir na cloicheadh [?], a bualladh [?] le cabhag. Bu [?] sput fish daonnan a miosg geineich gheal agus far a feic thu i spùtadh tha thu gan grapadh as a gheinich gus a bith do bos agad am breallach air an aon (àn) doigh[.] Tha esan a sputadh cuideach le cabhag a dheanadh tha ga fhaotain[.] Far am bith na cockles pailte tha iad air barr a ghrunnd le muir traigh (Càn a mach). Slige chreachain fheamadh tu a togail far a ghrunnd far a feicedh tu a ach gu math bitheanta tha i ’sa làthaich a bharrachd air a bhith ’s a gheinich[.] Lungaich chi thu uraball air barr na criadh, tha thu ga glaochach [?] mar gum bith [?] buain buntata ’s am piocadh a mach. Se buain lungaich a chanas iad. Feama tu an fheamainn dhubh a ghearradh far na creigeadh le corran. ’S an fhior aire a thuibhairt (a thoirbhairt) gum bith toll taomaich anns a bhata bhios ’ga giùlan[.] An doigh a bh’aig na seanna Ghàidheal b’e basgaid sgadain bhi shios mu dheireadh air urlar a bhàta ma biodh i luchdaichte chionns nach phlod (plod) an fheamainn dhubh[.] Phlodaich gach roc is gach feamann eile gad a bhiodh bata a stealladh dorlach uisge. Fear a bheil faiche ghiomaich na pairce beag de ghaineach air beulaibh an tuil agus dar a dh’itheas e am biadh tha e ’g ithe beagan de’n ghaineach. (tiomalaich [?])
Location: [Mull], Tobermory
Category: Maorach / Shellfish
[bacan]: “Buail do bhacan.” Tormod agus iàrna mhór aige agus e toirt ceum-leatha. Màiri, mu dheireadh: “A, buail do bhacan.” Bha Màiri a’ ciallachadh e fuireach aig cuimse agus aig an fhìrinn.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[badanach]: An sobhrach a chinneas badanach. The primrose which grows in tufts.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[badanach]: An sobhrach a chinneas badanach. The primrose grows in tufts. [NOTE in second hand: see elsewhere.]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[bainne-air-bhinid]: Na h-uibhir de mhin, de bhainne, agus na h-uibhir de shalainn, air a chur ann am binid (stamag) an laoigh agus ’ga chrochadh an àirde gu’m biodh feum air airson bainne-air-bhinid. Agus dheanadh e sin a cheart cho math ri stuth ’sam bith airson an aobhair a gheibh sibh as a’ bhùth. Cha robh na bodaich gun tùr!
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Crodh / Cattle
[bana-cheard]: An fheadhainn a b’fheàrr aig a’ bhana-cheard. “Bean á Bragair ’s bò á Berbhas.” (Bha seo an Leòdhas.)
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[beachd]: Anns a’ bheachd so. (Air an doigh so.) In this respect.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[beachd]: Tharruing i an t-sreang le rogha bheachd. She drew the string with the best of aim.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[beachdail]: Nach beachdail an t-suil aige? Isn’t he observant?
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[beag]: An ni a chi na big ’se ni na big. As the old cock crows etc. [NOTE in second hand: prov.]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[bean]: Bean thlachdmhor gun ghniomh gun ghleidheadh / Ge do thaitinn i ri’d shùil / Ciod am feum a tha an lann mur a bith làmh air a cùl.
Location: South Uist, South Lochboisdale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[beatha]: An e mo bheatha? Am I welcome?
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[beathaich]: Beathaich thusa mise an diugh is beathaichaidh mi am maireach tu. [NOTE in second hand: beathaichaidh mise thusa am maireach.]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[beathaich]: Beathaich thusa meas [sic] an diugh is beathaichaidh mi am maireach tu. Feed me today and I shall do the same for you tomorrow.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[beinn]: Tha sinn a’ cleachdadh ‘beinn’ mar seo: Sing. N. Beinn. G. Beinne. D. Beinn. V. A Bheinn. Pl. N. Beanntan, Beannaibh. G. Beann, Bheann, Bheanntan. D. Bheanntan, Bheannaibh, Beanntan, Beannaibh. V. A Bheanntan, A Bheannaibh. Beinn Mhiabhag. Beanntan na Hearadh. Beannaibh na Hearadh. Beinn mhór. Taobh na beinne. Air beinn. Ann am beinn. A Bheinn Bhreac (airson beinn sam bith). Beanntan àrda. Beannaibh na Hearadh. Mullach nam beann. Làn bheann. Móran bheanntan. Air beanntan àrda. Air beannaibh àrda. Mu bheanntan àrda. Mu bheannaibh àrda. Tha seo shuas airson sealltainn mar a tha cùisean N. G. D. V. againn ann an Uig an Iar.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Cruth na Tìre / Landscape Features
[beinn]: “Eabhal Mhòr is Trac-an triubhais, / Dà bheinn is àirde an dà Uidhist; / C’àit’ an d’fhàg thu Hecla bhuidhe? / Faodaidh i bhi cuide riutha.”
Location: Killearnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[beinn]: A’ bheinn is àirde tha ’san tìr, ’s ann orra as trice chì thu an ceò.
Location: South Uist, South Lochboisdale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[beud]: “Bu mhór am beud gu’n tigeadh an t-uisg oirbh.” – a remark made to us in Barra.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[beud]: Bu mhór am beud gu’n tigeadh an t-uisge oirbh! – response by a man in Barra to a friend and me when I remarked “Tha’n t-eagal orm nach eil an t-uisge fad as!”
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[beul]: Thàrr an Aoine na bial e ’s cha dual da sgur. This proverb used of a clyping sort of fellow who could not keep a secret to himself.
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[beul]: “Nach math gu bheil a bheul fo an tigh.” Latha bhiodh aimsir eagalach ann, gu h-àraidh tuil, chanadh na cailleachan: “Nach math gu bheil a bheul fo an tigh.”
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[beul]: Beul an lain. High water mark.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[beul]: “Miaran bho bheul gu beul, ’s an t-eunan bho thòm gu tòm.”
Location: North Uist, Grimsay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[beurr]: Anns na Baigh anns an sgìre againn (Uig an Iar), ’se ‘beurr’ a chanas iad mar a chanas sinne ‘geur’ [q.v.]: “Tha e cho beurr.” [SLIP: Said in ‘na Baigh’ (Sgìre Uig) for ‘geur’ – ‘witty’.]
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Nàdur an Duine / Personality
[beò]: “’S ioma rud a chì an duine bhios fada beò; chì e sagart a’ gabhail pioba ’s sgriobhadh le ìte geoidh.”
Location: North Uist, Grimsay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[biadh sgiobadh]: A’ deanamh a chruinneachaidh so thàinig bruidhinn againn air mar a bha facail a’ dol an ceann a cheile mar ‘afoin’ is ‘aflar’, agus thuirt aon gu robh aige fhein mun tairsgeir aon bhliadhna Douilian Dhomhnuill Alasdair Dhoiligean agus Iain Beag ’An Iain ’An Anaigean, agus gum b’e Iachaoil a bha leagail nan rùsg. B’e sin Domhnull Iain Dhomhnuill Alasdair Dhomhnuill Mhic Iain agus Iain Beag Iain Iain Iain Iain Mhic Iain, agus Iain Caol ri leagail. Thàinig tarraing againn cuideachd air biadh sgiobadh. An diugh ’se an ‘Duff’ a tha ri riaghladh. Thuirt fear – Lewis Moireach – gu robh ‘An Uallach a Cros aon bhliadhna is nach ruigeadh e air ceannachd ach aon lof airson sgiobadh ghillean. Bha pailteas buntàta aige dhaibh, ach bha e air a chur thuige ciamar a gheibheadh e air aon lof a roinn eadar na bha sud. Mu dheireadh thuirt e riu, “Suidibh, a bhalachaibh, ithibh; Am fear as motha a dh’itheas do bhuntàta, ’se as motha a gheibh dhan an lof.”
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
[blais]: Mus blais an t-ian air an uisge. – Tràth, tràth anns a’ mhaduinn.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[blais]: ’S beag an rud air nach blais bean.
Location: North Uist, Tigharry
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[blank]: Aye, indeed. [NOTES: this may have been meant as an illustration of the adjective ‘sarcastic’, which appears among the words suggested by the authors of the questionnaire.]
Origin: [Ross-shire]
Category: Nàdur an Duine / Personality
[blas]: Tha blas na Beurla air a Ghaidhlig aige. – His Gaelic has an English flavour.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[blas]: Tha blas na Beurla air a’ Ghaidhlig aige. – He speaks Gaelic with an English accent.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[blas]: Tha blas na Beurla air a Ghaidhlig aige. – He speaks Gaelic with an English accent. (?)
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[blasad]: An d’fhuair thu blasad bìdh? – Have you had any food?
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[blasad]: An do thairg iad blasad bídh dhut? – Did they offer you any food?
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[blìdheas]: Chaidh e an àirde ’n a bhlìdheas (bleeze). – teine, tighe air teine a ghabhail, ’s a leithid sin.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[boc]: Aon air buicean / Dhà air buicean / Maide sùirn / Cul an duirn / Cearc bheag / Bhiorach bhàn / Rug an t-ubh / Air a’ spàr / Bhrist’ e mus an ruig e làr / Cunnt romhaid s ’as do dheigh / Cia mheud adharc th’ air a Bhoc. A game played by two: ‘tormentor’ sits in a chair, ‘tormented’ sits on the floor between the tormentor’s knees. Tormentor, while repeating the refrain, sustains a constant knocking with his knuckles on the tormented’s head. Whenever the refrain is finished, the tormentor’s hand is placed on the tormented’s head. The tormented has to guess how many horns the Buck may have. A clenched fist – maol am boc. One finger – one horn, aon arc. Two fingers – two horns, da. Three fingers – three horns, trì. Four fingers – four horns, ceithir. Five fingers – five horns, coig arcan. The game continues until the tormented guesses the number of horns correctly. The players then change places. Tormentor v tormented or king v subject or officer v soldier or uachdran v iochdran.
Location: Leodhas [Lewis], an taobh siar
Category: Cur-seachadan: Dèideagan, Geamaichean is Farpaisean / Recreation: Toys, Games, Contests
[bocadh an éisg]: Agus an leigheas airson bocadh an éisg: “Naoi naoidheannan de bhàirnich mhóra nan Eileanan Glannach.” (iad seo ithe) 9 x 9 = 81 bàirneach. (Thug mi seo seachad ann am pàipear roimhe air a’ bhliadhna.)
Origin: Lewis, Uig an Iar
Category: Maorach / Shellfish
[bod]: Bod an eich, mor a muigh is beag a stigh.
Origin: [North Uist?]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[bodach Port-a’-Chuilinn]: “Bheir e a bhàn iad.” “Is ann a chara.” Bodach Port-a’-Chuilinn cha chreid mi nach canadh easan cuideachd “’s ann a chara”. Agus bhiodh aige ri na balaich a bhiodh a’ tarruing as aig na faingean aig an taca “A Bhugari” airson “A Bhugairean” againne. “Anns an t-seasaidh” chanadh e ri “anns an t-seasamh”. Agus mar sin. Ach ’se bhodach còir a bh’ann. Fad a bheatha còmhla ri na cìobairean. ’S iomadh rud a chunnaic e agus a thachair ris. Ach cha chreid mi gu robh aon nàmhaid aige aig là a bhàis. Mar a bha mi ’g innse dhuibh b’e seanair Anna a bha agaibh fhéin ’na h-oileanach. “An Tàileach” a chanadh iad ris.
Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[bodhar]: “Tha e cho bodhar ris an talamh.”
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[bogadh]: Nuair a bhogadh an dram air. When the Whisky excited him.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[bogadh]: Bogadh feannaig an sud ’sa seo – a quick dipping action, e.g. a bird dipping for worms in soil.
Location: South Uist, Stilligarry
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[boils]: Note 2: boils were brought to a point with poultices applied. When at the point of its height, so to speak, they were sometimes pierced through with an ordinary sewing needle for the collection of the pus or matter to discharge and the boil to heal.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[boinne]: Am boinne ’n a bheul. (an aimsir) – Boinneagan uisge dìreach air tòiseachadh, agus coltas air gu’n tig barrachd dhiubh, agus gu’n lean iad.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[bolla]: ’Se ‘bolla’ a chanas iad an iomadh aite air son ‘put’ [q.v.] againne.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
[bothag chearc]: Bha bothag chearc mu leth mhile bho’n taigh. An uair ’s gun robh an siol air chur ’san Earrach bha na cearcan ’gan cur chon na bothaig.
Origin: [Harris? – cf. ‘Taigh Croitear anns na Hearadh – an taigh anns an do rugadh mi.’]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
[brath]: Ciod gus an tig e, ’sann aig Dia a tha brath. What will be the result God alone knows.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[breacadh an rionnaich]: Tha breacadh an rionnaich ann. – a mackerel sky.
Origin: [Barra]
Category: Sìde / Weather
[breacadh]: A’ breacadh uachdar a’ phuill – ga ghearradh le spaid, a’ deanamh earrannan a bhitheadh soirbh an togail.
Origin: Camaschros an sgìre Shléite san Eilean Sgitheanach [Skye, Camus Chroise]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
[breacadh]: Breacadh nan eibhlean – breacadh an teine.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[briathrach]: Cho briathrach ris a’ charran-mac-fithill. – As blithe as an oyster catcher. (Chan eil mi cinnteach mu’n charran-mac-fithill, co a bh’ann. Faodaidh sinn comhradh mu an chuis uaireigin.)
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[briosgadh]: Tha an leanabh a’ briosgadh. The child is quickening.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[briseadh]: Troimh bhriseadh nan neul. Through an opening in the clouds.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[bruthainn]: Nach ann a tha a’ bhruthainn an-diugh. (sultry)
Origin: [Barra]
Category: Sìde / Weather
[bràth]: Balach òg is e ri fàs / Dh’itheadh e mar mheileadh bràth / Mar thìreadh bodach air an àth / Mar dh’fhuinneadh cailleach ann an clàr.
Location: [Lewis], Leurbost
Category: Muileann Lochlannach / Norse Mill
[bròg]: Na pàirtean aig bròig. An dà phàirt mhór aig bròig: An t-uachdar. Am bonn. Beul na bròige. An strap-sàileach. Na sùilean. Sàil na bròige ’s Sròn na bròige aig a’ cheann eile. An cnap. An seangadh – ’S ann mar ‘faigheadh’ (fuaim caol) a chanas sinne seo. Ach ’se seangadh a th’ann cho fad’s is aithne dhomh. Far am bheil a’ bhròg a’ fàs seang. An dearcadh. Am balt. An teanga. Am fraochan. Bròg-built – Bròg air a’ fuaigheal le sreangan. (Sreangan – shoemaker’s thread.) Bròg built tonnidh [?] sibh i le gréim air sròn agus sàil. Bròg air a fuaigheal leis an iarunn, tha i cruaidh. Pàirt eile de an bhròig: Am bonn linigidh – tha seo a stigh fo an bhonn mhór. Cho dubh ri bréid na bròige, chanadh na bodaich. Bhiodh bréid aodaich anns na brògan, uaireigin.

Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[buachailleachd]: “Deireadh is toiseach Mhic an Duine, a’ bhuachailleachd.” In your youth you looked after cattle and then again when you retired.
Location: South Uist, South Boisdale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[buadhchar]: Buadhchar an deireadh a’ bhainne. Literally dirt getting into the milk when you had filled the pail, therefore spoiling all the contents. Like the above saying [cf. cleibideag] it could mean undoing the good work done up till then.
Location: South Uist, Stoneybridge
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[buaidh]: Gun bhuaidh ort! – May you not be victorious. This is an old saying, a survival from ancient times.
Location: Killearnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[buailteach]: Beoltainn chaom, mhin, mhaltain bhla agus turadh an treas la / Ach ma’s uisge ’s gaoth bhios ann, ’s buailteach gur e ganntar a bhios ann. [NOTES: note in the margin – (buailteach). (blue ink)]
Location: South Uist, Bornish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[buain]: An t aon a chuireas ’s a Mhàrt ’s t foghar bidh buain aige.
Location: Mull [see below for details]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[bualadh]: Anns a’ bhaile againn fhìn chan fhaca mi duine ri bualadh duine eile a riamh. Cha [sic] fhaca mi fhìn duine ann an greim. No a’ tarruing na làimhe air dhòigh sam bith. Chunnaic agus chuala mi trodan ’s mar sin ach sin uile e. Chan fhaca duine daoine a riamh cho ciallach agus cho cliùiteach riutha mar sin. Ged a bha nithean anns na gnàthasan-cainnte a chuir mi steach thugaibh, a shaoileadh sibh gu robh iad crosd is ann a bha sin a nuas bho làithean na b’aosda na chunnaic sinne. No bho àiteachan eile, ’s bho thighean-change, bho shabaidean aig òl, ’s bho shabaidean gun òl idir. ’S mar sin.
Origin: Leodhas [Lewis], Uig
Category: Cur-seachadan: Dèideagan, Geamaichean is Farpaisean / Recreation: Toys, Games, Contests
[buan]: ’S e maireach Diluain is bidh an t-seachduinn cho buan ’s a bha i riamh. Aodach or stùth buan – long-lasting cloth.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[buidheachas]: Buidheachas an fhogharaidh. Harvest thanksgiving.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[buidheann no sgiobadh]: Chan eil fhios agam an e buidheann no sgiobadh airson an ait againne.
Origin: Leodhas [Lewis], Uig
Category: Cur-seachadan: Dèideagan, Geamaichean is Farpaisean / Recreation: Toys, Games, Contests
[buidseachd]: Tha buidseachd air an obair. – The work is cursed, going awry.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[buil]: An rud a nithear gu ceart chitear a bhuil. Properly done the result must tell.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[buille]: Cha toir mi buille de mo shùil air. – Won’t clap an eye on it.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[buin]: An rud nach buin dut na buin dà! – Don’t keep anything that does not belong to you.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[buin]: An rud nach buin dut, na buin dà. – Don’t keep anything that does not belong to you.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[buin]: “An rud nach buin dut [sic], na buin dà.”
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[buntàta]: An Rubha agus am Bac ann an Leòdhas. Canaidh an dàrna feadhainn “togail a’ bhuntàta”, agus canaidh an fheadhainn eile “a’ buain a’ bhuntàta”.
Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[buntàta]: Sgiolcaidh am buntata Sgiathanach as an rusg gu barr a chroinn. The Skye potato will jump out of its skin to the mast head. (being so wet)
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[bàirneach]: An leigheas a bh’aig seann mhuinntir Uig an Iar againne air bòcadh an éisg. Naoi naoidheannan de bhàirnich mhóra nan Eileanan Flannach ithe. Bha bodach anns a’ bhaile againne – chaochail e ann an earrach 1934 – agus cha b’urrainn e iasg á fairge ithe ach a’ bhiorach (dogfish). Bha iad ’ga bhòcadh. Chan aithne dhomh gu’n d’fheuch e an seann leigheas a riamh. Có dhiù bha miann a chridhe aige air na h-éisg, agus nach b’urrainn dha blasad orra. Gnothach duilich.
Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[bàn]: Gun bhàin gun deargadh. ‘Bàn’ is the left hand of the furrow in ploughing, distinguished from ‘dearg’, the red or right hand side. ‘Bàn’ is empty or waste, as an unploughed field. ‘Deargadh’ is making an impression. “Cha do dhearg mi air.” – “I have made no impression on him.” Dearg mheàirleach – a very thief. Air an dearg chaoch – stark mad.
Location: Killearnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[bàsaich]: Bhàsaich an cú. – The dog died. But: Chaochail an duine. – The man died.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[bàta]: “Tha bàta muigh ’s a’ mhuir ri feuchainn.” An expression advising people to make their own way in the world.
Location: North Uist, Tigharry
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[bàthadh]: “Duine a bhios tric a’ dol an gàbhadh thig a bhàthadh uaireigin.” Would be applied to a person who took risks, sailed close to the wind.
Location: South Uist, Stoneybridge
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[bò]: Tòmhseachan: “Ceithir a ruidh, ceithir air chrith, ’s dithis a’ deanamh an rathaid, ’s fear ag éigheach.” Refers to different parts of a cow – legs, teats, eyes and mouth.
Location: South Uist, Iochdar
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[bòrd]: Fo an bhòrd. An duine anns a’ chiste roimh an tiodhlacadh, bha e “fo an bhòrd”. [NOTES: slipped under ’bòrd’ with ’Bha e fo an bhòrd’ as the quotation.]
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Bàs is Adhlacadh / Death and Burial
[bòsda]: Cha chreid mi gu bheil aon fhacal sam bith againn airson an fheadhainn-sa shuas ach airson ‘boast’ – bòsda, uaill.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Nàdur an Duine / Personality
[bó]: Math na bà. – Na thig bho an bhoin a chum feum an duine. (Bainne ’s ìm ’s mar sin.)
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[bùrraidhean]: ‘Bùrraidhean mora dh an [sic] deoch.’ Big bouts of drink.
Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[cabhag]: Mar is motha chabhag s ann is lugha an t-astar. More hurry – less speed.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[cadal]: Tha an cadal orm. – I am sleepy.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[cadal]: Cadal cha dean mi, cadal cha dean mise / Lochd cha d’fhuair an raoir / ’S an nochd chan fhaigh drùb idir.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[Caimbeulach]: “Fhad’s a bhios cabar càm an goill bith an fhoill ’sa Chaimbeulach.” [NOTES: ‘goill’ corrected to ‘coill’ and ‘bith’ to ‘bidh’.]
Location: South Uist, Kildonan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[caiteag]: An d’fhuair thu biadh? Cha d’fhuair caiteag.
Location: Killearnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[calcas] (E): [See ‘put’.] An stopper a bhiodh a’ dol anns an toll ’s e an calcas a chanadh iad ris. [SLIP: The stopper for the herring net buoy. See MS.]
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
[calg]: An aghaidh a’ chuilg. Against the grain.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[cam]: “Cho cam ri cù a’ mùn ann an sneachd.” (Cho cam ri cam.)

Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[caochail]: Chaochail an duine. – The man died. But: Bhàsaich an cú. – The dog died.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[caogadh]: Caogadh suil. In a twinkling of an eye.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[caora]: Cha robh caoraich aig croitearan Chamaschros, anns an Eilean Sgiathanach. Chuala mi cuid dhe na faclan timcheall air caoraich, ach cha b’ urrainn domh an cur an òrdugh.
Origin: [Skye, Camus Chroise]
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
[caora]: Math na caorach, cron an eich, oidhche muigh is oidhche stigh.
Origin: [North Uist?]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[caora]: An uncompleted proverb: “A chaora, na loisg mo chnamhan, ’s na sgàin mo sheice ars an t-each.” There was also a section dealing with cattle. As regards the horse, his skin could not be easily repaired if it was torn.
Location: South Uist, West Kilbride
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[caothach]: Bha an caothach air. – He was madly furious!
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[capall]: Is minig a thuit an capall ceithir-chasach. – Facal, no sean-fhacal.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[capall]: “’S minig a thuit an capall ceithir chasach.” Pride shall have a fall. Despite having four legs it can fall nevertheless. [NOTES: originally ‘cabal’, corrected to ‘capall’.]
Location: South Uist, Stoneybridge
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[car]: Thug e an car asam. – He played a trick on me.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[car]: Thug e an car asam. – He played a trick on me.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[car]: Gu de an ath char a chuir thu dhiot. What was your next move?
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[car]: Car an aghaidh cuir. Diamond cut diamond.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[car]: Thug e an car glan asam. Thug e mo char is mo leth char asam. He completely bewildered me.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[car]: Tha an car agad air. You have the knack of it.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[car]: Car eile an aghaidh an daimh – a surprise or unexpected twist in a situation.
Location: North Uist, Tigharry
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[caraibh]: An caraibh a cheile. In contact or in grips.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[caraid]: ’S gann a dh’aithnicheas tu do charaid, gus an tachair dhut a bhith nad éiginn.
Location: South Uist, South Lochboisdale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[caramel]: Note: I’ll make enquiries as to the possibility of an answer to your query towards the plant, etc. ‘caramel’. Corra meile… it may have derived from ‘càir meala’? I am afraid it’s not of Lewis and Harris? Anyway, I’ll enquire!
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[cas bheag]: an doigh togail cas-bheag, clachan ag gach taobh fad bho chéile gu h-iosal agus a’ buntainn ri chéile gu h-àrd. Sgrathan is talamh air muin nan clach.

Origin: Geàrrloch (Loch Iubh) [Gairloch (Loch Ewe)]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
[cas]: Cha robh a chas fada ’s an aona bhad. – A siubhal gu h-aithghearr ’ga chois. A’ cur slighe mhór as a dhéidh ann an ùine ghoirid.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[cas]: Cas gacha taobh. “Chaidh i sìos an rathad air muin an eich, cas gacha taobh.”
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[casan-ceangal]: 16. B’ann de shioman connlaich a bha an TREABHAILT deanta. Bha i crochte le tri buill ris na CASAN-CEANGAIL (rafters). Nuair nach bitheadh a’ BHROG direach os coinn [sic] SUIL na cloiche, chuirte caoran monach ann an toinneamh ball na TREABHAILT gus a ghiorachadh. Roth – the propeller had an iron bolt protruding from the top and from the bottom. The upper bolt was named DEALGAN. The DEALGAN carried a crossbar named Dual which fitted into a recess in the upper millstone and thus was conveyed the power which made the stone revolve. The nether bolt was named TORGHAN. The point of the TORGHAN fitted in a recess in an iron plate which was fastened on the ledger-beam (SAIL-BHUINN). This plate named LUNN had spare recesses into which in turn the torghan was fitted when the recess in use wore through the ledger-beam, (SAIL-BHUINN) was attached by the SAIL DHIREACH to the lightening beam (SAIL AOTROMACHAIDH). The raising or lowering of the SAIL AOTROMACHAIDH raised or lowered the upper stone to give a rough or fine grind.
Location: [Lewis], Leurbost
Category: Muileann Lochlannach / Norse Mill
[cat]: Chan ’eil a an còrr ann / ’S chaidh na cait a dhanns. / ’Se ’m fear a b’fhearr a bh’ann / Cat Dhomhnuill ’ic Dhubhagain.
Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[cat]: “Gleidhidh tu thu fhéin bho an chat.” – Nuair a thigeadh tu dhachaidh bho iasgach agus na h-uibhir de dh’iasg agad, ged nach bitheadh móran, chanadh sinn seo.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[cat]: “S ann dhut a rug an cat an cuilean” – good luck has come to you.
Location: Harris, Sgarastamhor
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[cat]: Miann a chait ’s an traigh, ’s cha toir e fhein as e.
Origin: [North Uist?]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[cattle]: Following verse would be said by people tending cattle: “Bogha fhrois, bogha fhrois, tarr as, tarr as, trì stràcan dhe’n chrios cuir an t-uisg as, na buachaillean bochd air sgàth nan cnoc ag iarraidh air Dia an t-uisge a chuir as.”
Location: South Uist, Lochcarnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[ceann an teine]: Nuair a rachadh tu steach air an dorus am muigh bha thu anns an trannsa. Air do laimh chli bha ceann an teine. Cha robh leabaidh ann seo idir. Bha beinge fhiodha ann air an suidheadh sianar co-dhiu, an dreassair far an robh na soitheachan, leithid cupanan, truinnsearan agus gnothaichean mar sin air an cumail. Bha tri no ceithir a chathraichean ann agus creadhaill. Bha bord gu math mor ann – a shuidheadh ochdnar no mar sin. Cha robh ann an seomar sam bith ach ceann an teine far an robh am biadh air a dheasachadh.
Origin: [Harris? – cf. ‘Taigh Croitear anns na Hearadh – an taigh anns an do rugadh mi.’]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
[ceann]: Cuir ceann a steach – shorten sail by tying one row of strings. Da cheann a steach, etc. Until finally the sail could not be shortened any further. When this happened the expression used was “Cha robh dad oirre ach an còrs [?]”.
Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[ceann]: An a thog e ceann? – Did it turn up?
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[ceann]: “An rud a chuireas e ’n a cheann cuiridh e ’n a chasan e.” – Tha e cho deamhnuidh.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[cearc]: Gheibh cearc an sgriobain rudeiginn. The scratching hen will get something.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[cearc]: Bidh cearc an aon eoin a cheart cho trang a’ sgrìobadh le cearc aig am biodh a dhà dheug. Applied to a greedy person who wanted more than he needed.
Location: South Uist, South Lochboisdale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[cearcall a’ bhùirn]: Bha mi a’ bruidhinn ri Dòmhnall Iain (…). Bha sinn a’ bruidhinn air seann rudan a bhiodh aca, agus againn, shuas ’s an eilean. Mar cearcall. Cearcall a’ bhùirn mar a chanadh na Leòdhasaich. Bha e mar seo shìos. De fhiodh. Airson na peilichean a dheanamh na b’aotrom leis an làd bhùirn. (Chuir mi a steach thugaibh e mar tha, tha mi an dùil.) Cearcall. Cearcall a’ bhùirn. Chanadh na seann fhir “a’ chuairt” ris, cuideachd. Chan eil fhios ’am de an t-ainm Albannach a bh’air.
Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[ceartaich]: Ceartaich a’ bhó. – Atharraich a’ bhó bho phìos a tha i air ithe gu pìos ùr. Canaidh sinne an dà chuid, ‘ceartaich’ agus ‘atharraich’. Ann am Beàrnaraidh, ann an àiteachan, co dhiù, ’se ‘tog a’ bhó’ a chanas iad.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[ceartas]: Cha n’eil uainn ach an ceartas. We only want justice.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[ceothadh]: A’ tilgeil na ceothadh. – In its last throes. An animal dying.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[ceum]: Tha mi dol a ghabhail ceum spaidearaiche. I am going for an airing.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[ceàrd]: “Bheir e an ceàrd as a’ bhaile.” – Nì e a’ chùis airson an ama a tha a làthair (temporary). Dìreach sin!
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[ceòl]: Cha’n ith mi biadh / Cha’n òl mi dèoch [sic] / Chan éisd mi ceòl / Gus an dean mi sin!
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[churchyard]: Chan eil churchyard againn. Na cladhan a th’againn ’se bha unnda [?] cladhan air an ceann fhéin.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
[cianalas]: A’ cur dhinn an cianalas. Banishing melancholy. [NOTE in second hand: an cianalas corrected to a’ chianalas.]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[ciod]: Sin agad ciod gus an tig e. That is what it will come to.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[ciùin]: Tha i ciùin an-diugh.
Origin: [Barra]
Category: Sìde / Weather
[clach]: (Sleamhuinn a chlach a th’ann an ursuinn a Taighe Mhoir.)
Location: South Uist, Bornish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[clach]: Is sleamhainn a’ chlach tha an dorus an tigh mhòir.
Origin: [North Uist?]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[claidheamh]: Ged tha an claidheamh sgaiteach cruaidh, cha mhisd e thuar a bhi glas.
Location: South Uist, Lochcarnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[Clann ’ic Leòid]: “Clann ’ic Leòid a’ bhrochain thana ’s an droch arain eòrna.” – Bhithinn a’ cluinntinn seo mu Chlann ’ic Leòid.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[clobh]: Mu dheidhinn clobh, no glo, no globh (’se ‘c’ a th’aca ann có-dhiù, do’n chluais), dh’fhaodadh sibh sgrìobhadh suas airson faighinn a mach na bu chinntiche de an seòrsa fosglaidh no glinne a th’ann. (…) Clobh. Fuaimnich mar gheobh, no crodh (mar a chanas Leòdhasaich e có-dhiù; crou a chanas na Sgìtheanaich). Bidh mi toilichte cluinntinn ma gheibh sibh ni math sam bith mu chlobh.
Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[cloimh]: Nach ann chloimh chiannda an amhaich. – an expression used for people who were related to each other. Usually referred to when similar characteristics or mannerisms surfaced between two people.
Location: Barra, Northbay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[clàr]: Thubhairt e rium an clàr an aodainn. – He said to me boldly or straight in the face.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[clàr]: Thubhairt e rium an clàr an aodainn. – Straight in the face or boldly.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[clàr]: ‘Thubhairt e rium an clàr an aodainn.’ – He told mi straight/boldly in the face.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[clò]: An la theid clo ur air faiche. The day new clothes are sported.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[cneadach]: Is tric a chinn an cneadach sa dh fhalbh an sodach. Often does the puny one grow and the stout decay. [NOTE in second hand: Is tric a chinn an cneadaiche sa dh’ fhalbh an sodaiche.]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[cnàimh]: Aig ceann do chnàmha fad an latha. – Standing all day.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[coat of airm]: “Sin an coat of airm aca-san.” – That’s their hallmark, trademark, motto, etc.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[coilear-cruinn]: Tha an coilear-cruinn air. – He’s a clergyman.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[coimeas]: Cuir thu fein an coimeas ris. Put yourself on a level with him.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[coimeas]: Ciod ris an coimeas mi tu. With what can I compare you?
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[coingais]: “Tha e coingais dè an taobh a thig e.” – he doesn’t care which way he goes.
Location: South Uist, South Boisdale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[coinneamh-cheist]: Còmhla ris an fheadhainn eile faodaidh sibh toirt an aire do ‘choinneamh-cheist’. Bhiodh seo ann uaireannan ged nach robh e suidhichte mar na coinneamhan eile.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
[coirbhtheann]: Am facal-sa, coirbhtheann, no coirtheann (chan fhaca mi a riamh sgriobhte e), chan eil fhios ’am dé an litreachadh ceart air. Air a fhuaimneachadh tha e againne mar coire (kettle) + thann, coire’thann. Coirbhthann no coir(bh)thann no coireathann, tuigidh sibh fhein, tha mi glé chinnteach, mar tha a’ chùis. (Feuchaibh Ruairidh, smaite gu’m bi an aon nì aige-san ’s a tha agam fhìn bho’n taobh an iar.) Coirbhthann: Pìos fiodha mar ’s an dealbh: mu 3 oirlich air fad, mu ½ òirleach no mar sin air thiuighead. Coirbhthann bho’n amhaich: 3 tuill innte. Coirbhthann ’s a’ cheangal: 2 tholl innte.

Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
[coire]: Cuir air an coire. Put the kettle on.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[coireach]: Is tusa is coireach airson an uilc so. You are responsible for the mischief.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[coireach]: Ge bi co an coireach, is mise an ciontach.
Origin: [North Uist?]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[coma]: Air son mo chuid ’sa dh’en ghràn, tha mi coma ged a thigeadh an athaidh na teine. A saying by which apathy was expressed with prevailing circumstances.
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[comann]: Chaidh an comann math a dh’olaidh. – said when people fall out after being good friends.
Location: South Uist, Lochcarnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[comhair]: An comhair a chuil. Backwards. An comhair a bheoil. Forwards.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[comhairle]: Comhairle Clab-Sgàin, an rud nach buin duit na buin da.
Origin: [North Uist?]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[comharradh]: Is olc an comharradh e. It is a bad sign.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[comhartaich]: Tha an cù a comhartaich. – The dog is barking.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[comhdhail]: Droch comhdhail ort, a ghocain uidhir, is le’d ghocail nach fhuirich thu a-stigh!!! – said to an inquisitive child by a very pious old lady.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[conntraigh]: Tha an conntraigh ann.
Origin: [Barra]
Category: Sìde / Weather
[cornfield]: In the cornfield: sguab, adag, gearr-choc, coit, sgrù(th)an, mulan, cruach.
Location: Killearnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[corra-chòsag]: A chorra, chorra chòsag an innis thusa dhomhsa am bith latha math a màireach ann ’s bheir mi paidhir bhròg dhut.” Animal in question was a slater found under rocks. Also called ‘cailleach-òsag’ or ‘cailleach-chòsag’.
Location: South Uist, Lochcarnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[costadh]: We would say of anyone doing a good deed – “’S math an costadh a rinn e.” And men of good deeds – “daoine costach”.
Category: Nàdur an Duine / Personality
[cothrom]: Cha d’fhuair mi cothrom air sin a dheanamh. – I did not get an opportunity to do that.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[cothrom]: Ma gheabh [sic] mi an cothrom. – If I get the chance!
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[cow]: An observation first mentioned to me by my father, R. O’Henley, was confirmed during this interview. This observation regards the appearance of a cow a few days after being serviced by a bull. If there are a few spots of blood on the cow’s tail the sex of the calf can be determined as female. However, if there is more bleeding then it can be taken that the cow has not been impregnated and needs to be serviced again.
Location: South Uist, Bornish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[craiceann]: Cha ruig a’ bhrèaghad ach an craiceann. Beauty is only skin deep.
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[craicionn]: “Cha d’thug e an craicionn bharr na fiacail.” – Cha do dh’fhosgail e ’s cha do ghluais e a bheul airson bruidhinn. Agus cha do bhruidhinn è.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[crann]: ’Ga chur mu chrann. – A’ cur an t-snàth anns an dòigh cheart anns a’ bheart airson tòiseachadh a’ fighe.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[crann]: “Bidh an dà chrann air am bois aca.” – Bidh an dà nì air a chur f’an comhair airson roghainn a dhèanamh.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[crann]: Cuir crann air an dorus. Bolt the doors.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[crann]: Thainig an crann air. The ballot fell on him.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[creach]: ’S math a chreach a dh’fhàgas an darna leth.
Location: South Uist, Lochcarnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[creach]: ’S math a chreach a dh’fhàgas an darna leth.
Location: South Uist, Lochcarnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[creag]: “’S olc an comharra air a’ chreag na h-eoin a bhi falbh aiste.”
Location: North Uist, Grimsay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[creic]: Quotation: a’ crechd [ɑˈkre̜xk]. Notes: selling an article. [NOTES: slipped under ‘creic’.]
Location: Ross of Mull
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[cridhe]: Nach ann aige a tha an cridhe. Isn’t he the hardened sinner?
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[crioch]: Cuir crioch air an obair. – Finish the job.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[crioch]: Cuir crioch onorach air an obair – finish the job properly.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[crioch]: Cuir crioch air an obair! – Finish the job!
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[crith]: Bhiodh crith air bheill orm leis an fhuachd. – I would be shivering with the cold.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[crom]: Crom air an obair. “Wire” in.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[cruach]: Rinneadh cruach chruinn de na sguaban, an siol ris an taobh asteach. Ar leam gun robh a chruach air a tughadh le luachair.
Origin: Bràigh-Lochabar [Brae Lochaber]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
[cruach]: An do loisg thu seachd cruachan mónadh ri thaobh fhathast?
Origin: [North Uist?]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[cruaidh-chàs]: Tha mi ann an cruaidh-chàs. – I am in real difficulty.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[cràmhadh]: Tha e cràmhadh ’s an úir. – He is decaying in the grave.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[crùib]: Bha crùib anns an rathad. – a bend.
Location: South Uist, Stoneybridge
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[crùisgean]: “An crùisgean tighe anns am bheil e.” – The dark, dilapidated house in which he lives.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[cuach]: “Is minig a dh’fhàg mi mar thraill gun luach, ’s tha liuthad treun fhear is laoch thug buaidh, le neart na Gaidhlig chuireadh càch ’s an ruaig. An àm dhaibh eirigh leis an fheilleadh chuaich (pleated).” – a war cry for the clans going into battle.
Location: South Uist, Lochcarnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[cuairt]: Cuairt a ghabh sinn. An excursion we took.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[cuairt]: Cuairt air an fhidhle. A tune on the fiddle. [NOTE in second hand: fhidhle corrected to fhidhill.]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[cuairteachadh]: An t-aoradh air a chuairteachadh.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[cubadh]: 14. CUBADH – a’ teannachadh an fhiodha a bha lionadh toll na CLOICH IARACH timchioll air an DEALGAN le bhi gur GEINNEAN dha’n fhiodh.
Location: [Lewis], Leurbost
Category: Muileann Lochlannach / Norse Mill
[cuid]: An da chuid – agus. Both – and.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[cuideachd]: “Bha e math ann an cuideachd.” – “Good company”. [NOTES: slip not found.]
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Nàdur an Duine / Personality
[cuimhne]: “Seachd bliadhna an cuimhne bà, ’s gu là a bhàis an cuimhne an eich.” – arsa an ceàrd.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[cuims’]: ’Se cuims’! – The cheek! ’Se cuims’ loibht! – The bloody cheek! (Cha bhiodh an tè-sa cho tric ris an tè eile.)
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[cuir-an-àird]: An anail aige cuir-an-àird (term) – patches of bubbles on surface of sea, caused by expulsion of air from the swim-bladders of herring rising.
Location: [Harris], Scalpay
Category: Iasgach an Sgadain / Herring-Fishing
[cuir]: Bha e cur dheth fad an rathaid – He was “declaiming” the whole way.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[cuirm]: “’S fhear [sic] tighinn an deireadh cuirm na an toiseach truid.” Better to turn up whilst there is something left, rather than turn up when there’s nothing left and an argument begins.
Location: South Uist, Stoneybridge
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[cuisil]: artery or vein. Cho fada ’s a tha cuimhne agam-sa, ’se an aon rud a th’againn airson na dhà: cuisil. (Chan e ‘cuisle’ a th’againne idir.) (Cuisil, fuaimnich e: cuisill.)
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
[culaiste]: Bha balla cloiche air cuil a mhoir (far an robh a chlosaid) – theireadh cuid culaiste ris an t-seomar seo.
Origin: [Harris? – cf. ‘Taigh Croitear anns na Hearadh – an taigh anns an do rugadh mi.’]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
[cum]: Bha i cumail ris an dithis aca. – She was girl-friend to the two of them. (A’ suirighe.)
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[cumadair]: Is fhearr an cumadair na’n cronadair. Better a doer than a critic.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[cumail]: Nach è tha cumail ris. – Nach e tha seasamh gu math an aghaidh na h-aoise.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[cunnart]: Be a bhi buaireadh an Fhreasdail cuid a chunnairt a ghabhail daleithid sin. It were tempting Providence to venture in such a place.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[cunntas]: Thoir cunntas ort fhein. Give an account of yourself. [NOTE in second hand: Eng. source.]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[cur]: A’ cur air a’ chloich – putting the stone. A’ cur air an dòrnaig – putting the stone. Tha a’ muir a’ cur orm. – I am sea-sick. A’ cur an eòrna – sowing barley. A’ cur an t-sneachd – snowing. A’ cur thairis – overflowing. A’ cur nan cleas dheth [dhith? – unclear] – gambolling. A’ cur bhuaidhe – relieving himself (call of nature). A’ cur a mach – vomiting.
Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[cure for colds]: Note 5: Another cure for colds was a dip in the sea and then off to bed for sometime, an interval, etc. A gentleman on the Island of Scalpay years back was under a dose of cold. While he was engaged in mooring a boat he had, he fell accidentally into the sea at the point of disembarkation, this was by the shore. The place by the shore was shallow, he pulled himself over the seaweed on to the rocks, he had his clothes on, of course. On arriving home he immediately changed into fresh dry clothing again, of course, and found its [sic] ordeal so refreshing, and the cold none the worse, and by next day the cold ‘was gone’.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[curra]: Athais na curra air a’ churra eile ’s i-fhéin tòn-dubh. – Sean-fhacal. Duine a’ cur air duine eile ’s e-fhéin a cheart cho dona ris, no a’ deanamh an dearbh rud ’s a bha am fear eile a’ deanamh.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[currac-an-rìgh]: [See maodal]
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Crodh / Cattle
[currac]: “Cha d’thug e currac a nuas dha.” – ’Se seo a chanas sinne airson “Cha d’thug e bonaid a nuas dha” an àiteachan eile.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[cusg]: [Kenneth MacDonald in the letter of 9 January 1967:] Seachdain no dhà air ais, fhuair sinn pasgan eile de dh’fhaclan Uigeach bho dh’fhear an aon ainm ruibh fhéin – Murchadh MacLeòid, a tha ’na mhaighstir-sgoile ann an Cinntire. B’e am [sic] rud a chuir e thugainn an t-ainm a th’aig muinntir Chàirisiadar air fear an “Artificial Insemination” – “Bodach na cusg”. An cuala sibh fhéin riamh am facal “cusg”, no an urrainn dhuibh mineachadh ’sam bith a thoirt air? [Mr MacLeod’s reply:] Murchadh MacLeòid Chinntire, Murchadh a’ Ghobha a tha mi an dùil a th’ann. Mo dheagh charaid, uaireigin. Cha’n fhaca mi e bho shamhradh 1948. Tha mi tuigsinn gur h-ann ann an Southend an Cinntire a tha e. Mor, no Murdo, a’ Ghobha a chanas sinne ris. Duine dòigheil a tha ’n sin. Duine snog. (…) Mu ghnothach an A.I. Tha na facail “cusp” agus “cusag” ann. Tha iad sìos anns na faclairean. Cha chanainn nach e aon dhiubh seo a tha ann an “cusg”. (…) Agus am facal sin a nuas, agus air mhaiseann [?] ann an Càirisiadair. Anns na Bàigh. Chan eil fhios ’am an cuala sibh a riamh mu Sgoil Dhubh nam Bàgh. Bidh Ruaridh am profeasar air cluinntinn mu a dheidhinn, chanainn. Chan eil am facal “cusg” againne idir. [Letter dated 04/05/1967:] Bho phiuthar eile thall an Crabhlastadh againn fhìn, fhuair mi mu dheidhinn “cusg” (Bodach na Cusg). Is ann air pìob-stillidh a bha cusg aca anns na Bàigh (seòrsa de rudeigin mar pìob-stillidh, có dhiù). Is iomadh uair a rinn sinn mallachadh agus blaigeardachd air bodaich leis a’ phìob-stillidh (eileamaid airson bùrn a thilgeadh). Tha mi cinnteach gu’m biodh balaich shuas taobh na Comraich ris an aon seòrsa oibreach. (Na Bàigh: ’se sin Càirisiadar, Géisiadair, Ungisiadair, agus Éineacleit.)
Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[càrn]: Nuair a bhiodh iad [i.e. na giomaich] aca ann am bucas ann an càrn anns a’ chladach, chanadh iad gu robh iad “anns a’ chàrn”.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
[càrn]: “B’fhearr dhuit a bhith ann an càrn cladaich na a leithid sin.” – Chanadh iad seo mu dog and cat life.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[càs]: Tha e an cas air. He is very desirous of it.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[càs]: Chan e sin an cas. That is not the difficulty.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[cìoch]: Thoir an leanabh bharr na ciche. Wean the child.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[còdhail]: Cum codhail. Keep an appointment.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[còir]: Tha i cho còir ri na h-eòin. (An ceart-aghaidh tè a’ bhruic [see breun].) Aig na Lochan thall, ’s e “cho còir ris an fhaoileig” a th’aca.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[còrr]: An duine nach bi ’n còrr aige ri dheanamh cuiridh e na cait do an teine. – Facal.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[còrr]: Cha robh an còrr mór. “Fhuair sibh a nall roimh an mhuir” (an làn a tighinn a steach air an tràigh). “Fhuair, ach cha robh an còrr mór.” – We just made it.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[còrr]: “Chan ith e an còrr.” “Ma dh’fhalbhas am fàradh á mullach an tighe leis chan ith e an còrr.”
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[còta]: “’S fhearr an còta bhith fàs fada na bhith fàs goirid.”
Location: North Uist, Grimsay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[còta]: Cha tig an còta glas cho math do na h-uile fear.
Origin: [North Uist?]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[còta]: “An crochadh tu do chota orra [sic].” In reference to the moon. If you could hang your coat on the moon according to its shape then a good day was in prospect. If you could not then the opposite applied.
Category: Sìde / Weather
[cù]: Ruith coin an da fheidh. Divided aims. [NOTE in second hand: Ruith a’ choin air an da fhiadh.]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[cù]: “’S fhearr an cù a dh’fhalbhas na an cù a dh’fhuiricheas.” – the more versatile you are the better chance you have of survival.
Location: South Uist, Iochdar
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[cùl]: Is tu an cu gu d’ chul. You are a cur every inch of you.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[cùl]: Leig leo dol air cul a’ gnothuic. Let them take a back seat on that point. [NOTE in second hand: cul a’ gnothuic corrected to chul an gnothaich.]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[daga-phort]: [Kenneth MacDonald in the letter of 9 January 1967:] Seachdain no dhà air ais, fhuair sinn pasgan eile de dh’fhaclan Uigeach bho dh’fhear an aon ainm ruibh fhéin – Murchadh MacLeòid, a tha ’na mhaighstir-sgoile ann an Cinntire. (…) B’e facal eile a bh’aige “an daga-phot” air a chleachdadh mar seo: “Tha an t-aran seo cho cruaidh ris an daga-phot.” A bheil fhios agaibh dé idir as ciall dha’n an fhacal seo? [Mr MacLeod’s reply:] Murchadh MacLeòid Chinntire, Murchadh a’ Ghobha a tha mi an dùil a th’ann. Mo dheagh charaid, uaireigin. Cha’n fhaca mi e bho shamhradh 1948. Tha mi tuigsinn gur h-ann ann an Southend an Cinntire a tha e. Mord, no Murdo, a’ Ghobha a chanas sinne ris. Duine dòigheil a tha ’n sin. Duine snog. (…) Ach am fear-sa, “an daga-phot”. Is e an daga-phort a bh’againne air. (Tha mi fhìn agus Mord a’ Ghobha 3½ mile bho chèile.) Mìneachadh air an fhacal, no dé mar a dh’éirich e? Chan eil nì cinnteach sam bith agam. Dh’fhaodadh gu robh comhcheangal aige ri daga, agus dh’fhaodadh nach robh. Chuala mi aig bodach ’sa bhaile uaireigin (agus bhiodh am facal sin aca): “Cho cruaidh ris an deilg na bhìotaidh.” (vee’tee) Agus b’e seo saoilidh mi, an tignum-vitae, am fiodh air leth cruaidh. ’Se am fiodh-sa a bhitheadh a’ dol ann an roithleinean nan ulagan (block sheaves) séibhichean nam blocaichean, mar a chanadh na bodaich. Agus abair a bhith cruaidh de an fhiodh sin! (Faic mu’n fhiodh-sa ’s na leabhraichean fiosrachaidh.) Nise mu’n daga-phort, tha facal Laidinn eile ag éirigh rium, agus dh’fhaodadh gu robh comhcheangal air choireigin aige ris an daga (am facal): aqua-fortis. Dh’fhaodadh gu robh, agus dh’fhaodadh nach robh. Sin na th’agam mu an daga-phort, mur a tionndaidh nì sam bith an àirde.
Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[daga-phot]: ‘Tha an t-aran so cho cruaidh ris an daga-phot.’ (Surely this is a most peculiar expression. Can any light be thrown on it?) ‘Tha e cho cruaidh is a’ bhuthaid’ is a common expression.
Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[daor]: Cho daor ris an aran mhilis. – Very, very dear in price.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[daorach]: Tha e air an daorach. – He is drunk.
Category: Faireachdain / Senses
[dara cuid]: Tha mi an dara cuid ri camanachd no ri luingearachd air a chaoil. I am either playing shinty or sailing on the strait.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[dara leth]: Chaidil mi an dara leth an h-uine. I slept half the time.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[darach]: Is geinge dheth fhein a sgoltas an darach.
Location: South Uist, Lochcarnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[dealbh]: Gnothuch gun dealbh. An absurd thing.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[deamhan]: A Muileach, an t-Ileach ’san deamhan, an triuir is miosa san domhain; ’s miosa Muileach na’n t-Ileach, ’s miosa an t-Ileach na’n deamhan.
Location: South Uist, Lochcarnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[deoch]: ’S math an seirbhaiseach an deoch ach ’s olc a’ maighstir e.
Location: North Uist, Grimsay, Gearradh Dubh
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[deoch]: “An deoch nach fhaighear an àm an tomadh, chan fhaighear idir an àm tràghadh.” The early bird catches the worm.
Location: South Uist, Stoneybridge
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[deur]: “Chan eil an sin ach an deur ga iarraidh air a’ chàt.” – used about someone who would not share or give what was his own to anyone else like the saying says the cat does not leave a drop for anyone else.
Location: North Uist, Lochportan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[Di Mairt]: “A cheud Di Mairt de sholus an earraich” – Shrove Tuesday.
Location: South Uist, Lochcarnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[Di-haoine]: Di-haoine an aghaidh na seachdainn ’s Di-sathuirne leis an t-side.
Location: Na Hearadh, Gòbhaig [Harris, Gobhaig]
Category: Sìde / Weather
[Dia]: An ainm a Dhia! – In the name of God.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[diachainn]: rud-a-dh’fhagad[sic]-a-muir leis-an-diachainn – what the sea unobserved to carry as not considered valid... and still sorry in doing [?] so when we have: diachainn = dichuimhn’ [?] – forgetfulness.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Coltas an Duine / Personal Appearance
[dias]: An dias is truime tha ’s an fhaiche, ’si is isle ceann.
Origin: [North Uist?]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[Diluain]: Imrich Diluain gu tuath. Imrich Disathurne gu deas. Ged nach biodh agam ach an t-uan / ’S ann Diluain dh’fhalbhainn leis.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[dinneir]: An dinneir: brot air a dheana [sic].
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[diochuimhne]: “An là nach deanainn diochuimhne ’se an t-uisge ’s an t-uisge mór a bhiodh ann.” (Tuigidh sibh fhéin.)
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[dioghaltas]: “Ged’s fada reith fear dheanamh an uilc, cha tig bho Dhia gun dioghaltas.” Might get away with a crime for a certain period but will be punished eventually.
Location: South Uist, Stoneybridge
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[dithis]: “An dithis dhubha a bhios ri siubhal còmhladh.” – Dithis bhalach móra, no dithis dhaoine òga, a bhiodh an còmhnuidh a’ falbh còmhla ri chèile ’s a’ deanamh mallachadh ’s a leithid sin, ’se seo a chanadh tu riutha. Chanadh tu riutha fhéin e.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[dithis]: Chi dithis barrachd air an aon fhear. Two heads are better than one. [NOTE in second hand: easily understood.]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[doirb]: An doirb ud. – That wee, toty thing. Duine.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[dol-a-mach]: An dol-a-mach a bh’aca. – The carry-on they had.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[dol]: Chaidh i an nochd gearraidh. She changed to a hare. [NOTE in second hand: riochd gearr?]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[dorus an t-sabhail]: the back door which led into the barn.
Origin: Eileanaich [natives of Lewis]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
[dorus]: An dorus mór – the front door. An dorus cùil – the back door.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[dorus]: An dorus mór – the front door. Am dorus cùil – the back door. Leac an doruis – the stone-slab outside the door. Lamh an doruis – the door handle.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[dorus]: Dorus an tigh(e)-mhóir – An dorus a muigh. Dorus an talain, b’e sin an dorus anns an talan, a stigh suas chun an teine. Dorus an tigh-mhóir an dorus a muigh. Dorus uachdar an tigh(e) – an dorus suas do uachdar an tighe. Chan chanadh muinntir Uige an Iar ‘cùlaiste’ idir. (Tha na tighean an diugh, mar a bhios fhios agaibh, eadar-dhealaichte ris an t-seann fheadhainn.)
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[dorus]: A’ crannadh ’s a sparradh an doruis. Bolting and barring the door.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[dorus]: An dorus sraointe fosgailte – the door wide open.
Location: Killearnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[driog]: An d’fhuair thu diar? Cha d’fhuair driog.
Location: Killearnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[Droch Spiorad]: “Tha thu air chuibhlichean aig an Droch Spiorad.” – Tha thu fuasgailte agus ag amadanachd ’s a’ caoch (cuthach). ’S mar sin.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[druid]: Druid romhad e – push the door open ahead of you. Druid an dorus – ‘druid’ in this case means to close the door.
Location: South Uist, Iochdar, Baile Gharbhaidh [Balgarva]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[druideadh]: ’S mithich druideadh chòir an doruis / An uair a theannas a sporan ri àicheadh.
Location: South Uist, South Lochboisdale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[drèanachan]: A’ deanamh dhrèanachan (no claisean) a chum an uisge a thoirt air falbh far a robh feum air sin.
Origin: Camaschros an sgìre Shléite san Eilean Sgitheanach [Skye, Camus Chroise]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
[drùidh]: Dhrùigh e air. It made an impression on him. [NOTE in second hand: dhrùigh corrected to dhrùidh.]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[dual]: “An uair a ruigear an dual chithear a ceann.”
Location: South Uist, South Boisdale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[dualchas]: Theid dualchas an aghaidh nan creag.
Origin: [North Uist?]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[dub]: “Cha d’thàinig dub air.” – airson “Cha deacha gnogadh air.” [NOTES: one of the phrases suggested in the questionnaire – ‘he hasn’t grown an inch’.]
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Nàdur an Duine / Personality
[dubhan]: Tha an dubhan aige ann. – Tha e an còmhnuidh fo chomhair a inntinn airson a bhith cur sìos air, agus a bhith bruidhinn air gu taobh nach eil càirdeil.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[dubhan]: Is corrach gob an dubhain.
Location: South Uist, Lochcarnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[duine dòigheil]: Easy-going, self-control, patience. “Tha e cho dòigheil.” “’Se duine dòigheil a tha an Calum.” “Dòmhnull, ’s e cho dòigheil.” – happy, easy-going, patient. [NOTES: slipped under ‘dòigheil’. Definition: Easy-going.]
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Nàdur an Duine / Personality
[duine faisg ort]: “Tha e cho faisg (ort).” (Faic ‘duine amhaidh’ [q.v.] air an duilleig eile.) [SLIP: Friendly.]
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Nàdur an Duine / Personality
[duine-mi-fhìn]: “Tha tòrr de an duine-mi-fhìn ann an Dòmhnull.” (Tuigidh sibh fhéin.)
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[duine]: An uair a thig ri duine thig ris uile.
Location: South Uist, Lochcarnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[duine]: Bheil duine ann an tigh [?] a bhruidh.
Location: Mull [see below for details]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[dulasg]: Dulasg port a ròin / aran eorna an t-luichd / Buirn an apair mhóir / ’S gur math a dh’fhagnadh.
Location: Mull [see below for details]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[duslach]: Mar an duslach (cho pailt). Canaidh iad seo an ceann-shuas Uige an Iar againne. Cha chuala mi riamh ’s a’ chòrr de an sgìre e.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[duslach]: Mar an duslach – a shoal of herring showing black in daylight or at evening.
Location: [Harris], Scalpay
Category: Iasgach an Sgadain / Herring-Fishing
[dust]: Chan eil mi cur breug air a dust. – Chan eil mi cur breug oirre agus i anns an talamh (marbh agus air a tiodhlacadh). Canaidh sinn ‘an dust’ ris a’ chorp mharbh (aig duine). Ann am Beàrnaraidh, tha mi smaoineachadh, gu’n can iad e mu ainmhidhean cuideachd. “Chuir iad an dust do an chairt aig an fhadhail.”
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[dà chleachdadh a bha air an casg]: (Da chleachdadh a bha air an casg dhuinne anns an eathar aig muir: feadalaich – tharraingeadh so gaoth nuair nach bitear ga h-iarraidh, agus a’ cunntadh an éisg mar a bhiodh e a’ tighinn fear bho fhear air an lion – chuireadh so a mach a iasg thu.)
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
[dàimh]: Tha e dluth an daimh dhomh. He is nearly related.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[dàir]: Tha an dàir oirre – she’s in heat.
Origin: [Barra]
Category: Crodh / Cattle
[dàn]: Is duilich cur an aghaidh dain. Kismet.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[dàn]: Mar a bha bhochdainn an dan dhomh. As bad luck would have it.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[dìle]: Cha tig an dìle. – that time will not come.
Location: South Uist, Stilligarry
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[dìol]: Quotation: B’e siud an dìol dubh air a’ ghruth gheal. Notes: Catriona Mhór’s response to Murdag’s news that the missionary had to leave his house to make way for the officer. She added: “Is an duine bochd a’ dìogadh a mhionaich ach a faigh e còmhradh a ni e ri na daoine.”
Location: Lewis
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[dìughaidh]: “Dìughaidh uisge, fliuch sneachda.” ‘Dìughaidh’ means a different or variant type of rain in this case sleet. According to Mrs MacIsaac. “Dìughaidh teine fàrneadh fliuch” ‘Fàrneadh’ means boggy, marshy moorland. “Dìughaidh an t-saoghail gu leir, droch bhean.” The latter two instances suggest a different meaning for the word ‘dìughaidh’ – downfall? Merits further scrutiny.
Location: South Uist, Stoneybridge
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[dòchas]: An dòchas do theachd. In expectation of your arrival.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[dòchas]: Tha dòchas mor agam as an òganach. I think him a youth of promise.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[dòigh]: Tha mi air mo dhòigh an so. – I am happy here.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[dòigh]: Tha mi air mo dhòigh an so. – I am very happy here.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[dòigh]: Tha mi air mo dhòigh an so. – I am supremely happy here.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[dòigh]: Air an doigh sin. At that rate.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[Dòmhnullaich]: “Aig deireadh an latha as fheàrr na Dòmhnullaich.” – Bhithinn a’ cluinntinn seo mu na Dòmhnullaich.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[dúc]: Bha am buntàta air a chruinneachadh ann an dúc agus a chomhdachadh le fodar agus an déigh sin le úir los nach fhaigheadh an t-uisge no ’n rèothadh ’na charaibh.

Origin: Bràigh-Lochabar [Brae Lochaber]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
[each]: Tha an t-each a bhuailear sa cheann sgathach. Once bitten twice shy.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[each]: “Brollach an eich is màs na làir.” – a term used when buying horses. Whereas the strength of the male was the important criteria, the width of a mare’s shoulders was equally important.
Location: South Uist, South Glendale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[each]: Neart an eich ’s an rathad.
Origin: [North Uist?]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[eagal]: Ghabh mi an t-eagal. – I got a fright.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[eagal]: Is luath an tòn ’san téid an t-eagal.
Location: South Uist, Lochcarnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[eagal]: Chuir e eagail air an dearg mheirleach – ‘at seeing him, his face, a stealer, a ‘real stealer’, would collapse’ (putting it this way to make it more easily understood), one rendering.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Coltas an Duine / Personal Appearance
[eallach]: Eallach a’ ghille leisg. – ’Ga thoirt leis ann an aon eallach uamhasach an àite dà eallach chumanta a dheanamh dheth.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[eallach]: Is trom an t-eallach an t-aineolas. Ignorance is a heavy burden.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[earball stùbhach]: short tail that remains after docking. Chan eil ainm suidhichte mar sin againn air a seo idir, ach tha againn ‘earball stùbhach’ airson earball air leth goirid agus a tha a’ coimhead mar sin. (‘Iorbull’ a chanas sinne, ’s ann a chanas sinn ‘earbull’ an còmhnuidh airson earbull rud – hem ’s mar sin.)
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
[earball]: An rud a gheibhear aig ceann an deamhain, caillear e aig an earball.
Location: South Uist, South Lochboisdale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[earball]: Cha robh agam ach an t-earball a leigeil ris a chraiceann. – letting things deteriorate or accepting the inevitable.
Location: South Uist, Stilligarry
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[earrach]: Cruathag an earraich a’ tighinn air caoraich ’s gun bhiadh san talamh. Lack of pasture, grazing.
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[earrach]: “Mios faoillaich, naoi latha gearran, trì latha sguabaig, suas an t-earrach.” Used to herald the beginning of spring.
Category: Sìde / Weather
[eatarras]: Tha mi an eatorras [sic]. I am but in middling health.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[eathair]: Cuir an t-eathair air. Beach the boat.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[eathar]: ‘Tha e cur an eathair ort.’ ‘He is a stronger rower than you are.’
Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[eathar]: Bha Leòdhasach uaireigin a’ deanamh bàrdachd do dh’eathar a bh’aige: “Thug mi maorach as an tràigh, / ’S chaidh mi rithist cuairt gu sàl / Leis a’ mhaighdinn nach d’thug fuath dhomh, / Com na h-uaisleachd, m’eathar bàn.” Cuideigin eile bha rann aige mu eathar mar seo: “Seòl slàn ach dà cheann a’ cur dol oirr’, ’s i bocadh a toisich gu ’sùilean. A’ leum air na tonnan ’s ’gam bualadh, is smùid bharr a gualainn tighinn drùidhteach. A cnagan a’ riochadh na mara, agus sliasaid an fhasgaidh cur sùgh dhith. Le seann sgiobair liath air an fhalmadair, ’s goil agus corraghoil mu’n stiùir aic’.” Nach biodh e math a bhith ann an tè fhathast agus srann aice fo a cuid aodaich!
Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[eun]: “Ùgh air ionnad? (inid) ’s eun air Càsg, mur bidh sin aig an fhitheach bidh am bàs.”
Location: North Uist, Grimsay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[eun]: ’S binne an t-eun far am beirear e.
Location: South Uist, Lochcarnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[f: [ai]ˈiri] Quotation: Bha m’athair glé [f[ai]ˈiri] agus bha e daolan a’ deanamh an obair da na croitearan.
Origin: Loch Tay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[facal]: “Tuigidh fear leughaidh leth an fhacal.”
Location: North Uist, Grimsay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[facal]: Tuigidh fear leughaidh leth an fhacail.
Location: South Uist, Lochcarnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[fad]: Fad an latha – the whole day. Fad an rathaid – the whole way. Fad na h’ùine – the whole time.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[faing]: Cha bhiodh againne ach na dhà an cumantas: an fhaing mhór agus an fhaing-ghlacaidh. Ach aig na cìobairean bhiodh móran fhaingean: an fhaing-mhór, an fhaing-chaol ’s mar sin, faing airson a h-uile nì a dh’fheumadh iad.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
[faire]: Thoir an fhaire nach tuit thu. – Take care you don’t fall.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[falamh]: Bhe e cho falamh ri eòin an adhair. – Cho gòrach (insane).
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[falamh]: ’S taomanach an t-sealg, fàgalach an t-iasg, àitich gu math an talamh, cha do dh’fhag e fear falamh riamh.
Location: North Uist, Grimsay, Gearradh Dubh
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[faochadh]: Gun fhaochadh fad an la. Without alleviation all day.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[faochadh]: An d’fhuair e faochadh. Has he got relief (or passed the crisis of disease)?
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[faoileag]: “Thàinig an fhaoileag sin air.” – Las a aodann suas le toileachas.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[faoileag]: Cho fiadhlaidh ris an fhaoileig.
Origin: [North Uist?]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[faoileag]: Faoileag an droch cladaich.
Origin: [North Uist?]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[faolag]: Faolag gheal air an uisge – white spray on the sea’s surface. Also ‘faolag dhubh’.
Location: South Uist, South Lochboisdale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[fathunn]: Chuala mi fathunn de sin an dé. – I heard a rumour (?) of that yesterday.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[fead]: “Abair gu’n toir a’ ghaoth fead air an tigh tha siod.” – Abair gu’m buail a’ ghaoth gu math an tigh tha siod.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[fead]: Chan e fead a bhainne a tha muigh. – an expression used on a windy day. Literally the wind was stronger than the gentle wisps of air which you feel around your hands when milking.
Location: Barra, Northbay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[fealla-dhà]: Theid an fhealla dha gu fealla tri. Fun may turn to deadly earnest.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[feamainn]: Dh’fhalbh e mar an fheamainn ris a’ chloich (duine agus a shlàinte). – He declined so rapidly.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[feannadh]: Anns an Earrach bithidh sinn a feannadh na monadh. Cuid a bhios toirt barrach feantachd air cuid eile. Ann a bitheantas da throidh air son ochd foid. Aon uair bhiodh deichnear de sgipe a buain fat latha ach se siath a bhios ann an nis. Ma bhios an tide tioram bi sinn a togail na monadh ann an da sheachuin. Bidh sinn a ris ga rudhadh agus a ris a cruachadh. Mar is trice bidhidh sinn a tathadh nan cruach mur a bidh sinn ga toirt dhachaidh. Se an taisig is smiosa le torr opair chruidh nuair nach eil a tide math. Cutting off the top turf. Some cut the turf wider than others. Usually it is 24" wide giving 8 peat per cutting. Once there used to be ten 5 irons with two to each but now it’s usually 3 irons 6. If the weather is dry we lift the peats into small stacks in two weeks then bigger stacks and then again the bigger stacks for the winter. We thatch the stacks to keep them dry, that’s unless we are ferrying it home right away as some now do. The ferrying is hard work when the weather is not favourable.
Origin: Inbhirnis [Inverness – most probably meant as the county]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
[feannag]: Mar thuirt an fheannag ri da chois, ’s dubh sibh le cheile.
Origin: [North Uist?]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[fear]: Beir thusa air an dara fear is beiridh mi air an fhear eile. You catch one and I shall catch the other.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[feum]: “Cha dean thu car feuma gu’n dean am poca ùbhlan a chaidh leis an abhainn.” – You’ll never do any good. Bhiodh seo air a chantuinn ruinn nuair a bha sinn òg.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[feum]: Ceannach a ni air nach eil feum agad ’s chan fhada gus an reic thu an ni a tha feumail dhut.
Location: South Uist, Lochcarnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[feàrr]: ‘Gu mu feàrr leat an gnothuch a dhèanamh mar so.’ May it please you to do the job this way, or, this is a better way of doing the job.
Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[feàrr]: “Chan fheàrr an siud na an siad.” (‘siud’ do’n chluais mar siuthad) Chan fheàrr an dàrna fear na am fear eile. (daoine)
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[fiacaill]: “’S geur fiacaill o’n fhraoch ’seach geiread bho’n chladach.” More of an appetite when coming home from the shore whereas not so hungry coming off the moorland.
Location: South Uist, Stoneybridge
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[fiaclan]: Anns na 1930-an ’s e na fiaclan a bh’ann an clann na sgoile aig Lochcroistean na fiaclan a b’fheàrr ’s a b’fhallain aig sgoilearan anns na h-Eileanan Breatunnach. Bha seo le na bha iad a’ tighinn beò air de mhath an àite fhéin – maorach, eòin-mhara, iasg, ’s mar sin.
Origin: Lewis, Uig an Iar
Category: Maorach / Shellfish
[fianaiseach]: Is fianuiseach thu air sin. You are an eye witness on that point.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[fianuis]: A dhol am fianuis an rìgh. Duine a bhiodh an còmhnuidh sgiobalta, glan, ’s aodach math air, chanadh na bodaich m’a dheidhinn: “Dh’fhaodadh e dhol am fianuis an rìgh.”
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[filleadh]: Dean filleadh air an aodach – make a fold/hem [?] on the cloth.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[fingers]: Thumb and four fingers: ordag, meurag (miarag), gille fada, mac an aba, gircean.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[fingers]: Òrdag, miarag, gille fada, mac-an-aba, girgean – the five fingers.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[fionnadh a chait]: Note 4: (also) ‘Fionnadh a chait’ was a remedy for cuts on the Island of Scalpay, Harris fifty years ago. An informant told me that the remedy was applied to a cut on her forehead by her father, and that was about 50 years ago (from 1978). Her father cut some of the cats [sic] hair with the scissors and spread the hair on a bandage and then on to the cut, it was believed that it had healing properties beside effective in the case of bleeding and seemingly a ‘disinfectant’ advantage. My informant again showed me where the cut was on her forehead. You could hardly believe there was a cut there, it healed that well, by very close observation you could discover there was something not of a mark very distinguishable.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[fitheach]: An rud nach tugadh am fitheach d’a isean. (Sùil na caorach.)
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[fiuthair]: Bha fiuthair agam gu’n tigeadh e. – I had an idea he would come.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[flaga]: Gus na lìn a lorg ann am farsuingeachd a’ chuain bhiodh flaga aca air ceann nan lìon. Clachan anns a’ bharaille airson a chumail ’na shuidhe anns an fhairge. Bhiodh e na b’fhaide fodha na tha agam-sa anns an dealbh.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
[fliuch-bhòrd]: Am bheil lorg agaibh mu ‘fhliuch-bhord’ (fliuch-bhòrd)? Sin a’ cheud timchioll air eathar ris an druim. An ath thimchioll, ’se ‘ruadh-bhord’ a chanaist ris. Chan eil am fear-sa againne idir.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[foghar]: ’S cuideachadh culagan ’s an fhoghar.
Origin: [North Uist?]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[foighneachd]: “Cha d’fhuair e foighneachd air a’ ghamhainn.” – Never got an offer for it.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[fois]: Am fois: an tàmh. At ease.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[foretelling bad weather 1]: An cuan a bhi mosach. Influence of a gale on the sea-state hours before it actually comes.
Origin: Tiree
Category: Sìde / Weather
[foretelling bad weather 4]: Fìor chomharradh na h-an-shìd’ – eòin na mara tighinn gu tìr.
Origin: Tiree
Category: Sìde / Weather
[fosgailte]: “Na bha fosgailte dheth.” “Chaidh e fodha anns an rias, na bha fosgailte dheth.” – Gu a mheadhon. có dhiu, na bha fo chasan dheth.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[fraoch]: Cruaidh mar an fhraoch, buan mar a’ ghiubhais. Hardy as heather, lasting as pine.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[fras]: Fras ghlanaidh an latha. – Là a bhiodh frasan ann, tè air muin tè, ach thigeadh an tè-sa, fras eagalach na bu chumhachdaiche ’s na bu chursa [?] na gin a bh’air tighinn roimhe, chanadh na bodaich “’se fras ghlanaidh an latha a bhios an seo”. Agus mar bu trice bhiodh iad ceart – dheadh e na b’fheàrr as déidh siod.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[fras]: Ris an fhrois. During the shower.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[frithealadh]: A’ frithealadh do an nì. – Attending to stock. Cattle, sheep, etc.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[fro-stick]: Another thing that was used in connection with milk, I do not know the Gaelic name for it but in English it is called a fro-stick. In fact we used to have one here though I have not seen it for some time. I’ll try and make a drawing of one which will give you an idea what it looked like. It was used for what we called a ‘fuarag’. This was some cream in the bottom of a flat dish or any vessel with a flat bottom, you put the fro-stick in it and kept the handle tight between the palms of the hands and made a rubbing movement causing the fro-stick to go one way then the other continuing this for about five minutes, depending on the quality of the cream, until it almost reached the stage what we called the ‘bainne-briste’ stage. ‘Bainne-briste’ was when the milk was starting to change from milk to buttermilk. The ‘fuarag’ was the stage before that when the cream went sour and this was often taken. The material which went round the four spokes was the long hard hair at the end of a cow’s tail like a rope. It didn’t fall off as the ends of the spokes were scouped out cup shaped.

Origin: Inverness-shire, Nethy Bridge
Category: Crodh / Cattle
[froiseadh]: Tha an ropa a’ froiseadh. – fraying or frayed rope.
Origin: Tiriodh [Tiree] (Rugadh Daibhidh ann an Glaschu ach chaidh a thogail ann an Tiriodh bho’n a bha e trì bliadhn’ a dh’aois.)
Category: Iasgach a’ Ghiomaich / Lobster-Fishing
[frìde]: “Is lugha na frìde mathair argumaid” A saying which indicates how easy it is to start an arument.
Location: South Uist, Stoneybridge
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[fuachd]: “Cha laigh fuachd air uallach.” People can be so preoccupied with their worries that an illness may not seem so worrying.
Location: South Uist, Stoneybridge
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[fudas]: A Mhic an fhudas-buic! Seo mar a tha e do an chluais: udas buic. Chan eil fhios agam le cinnt an e ‘fudas’ no ‘udas’ am facal. Ach tha mi smaoineachadh gur h-e ‘fudas’ am facal. Canaidh sinn mar seo: Dòmhnull: “Tha sàbh agam a stigh ’san tigh.” Tormod: “Tha ’s chan fhudas e.” (Yes, and not a bad one.) Ach ’s ann a bhiodh Tormod a’ ciallachadh nach robh móran feuma ’s an t-sàbh.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[fuireachd]: Is fhad an fhuireachd a rinn thu. You made a long stay.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[fuisteach]: I have often heard an old Black Isle man who used many Gaelic words in his English use the word “fuisteach”, meaning restlessly impatient or in a “stew”. He used to say “he gets into an awful f.” I recently came across, with a Glenurquhart man, “fuideag uamhasach air” with the same meaning.
Location: Inverness
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[fulang]: Fulang an rud nach gabh seachnadh. Making a virtue of necessity.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[fu̜:ʴṉɑʃ]: Quotation: an [u̜:ʴṉɑʃ]. [NOTES: the turned r used for the symbol which is unclear in the original.]
Location: North Uist, Bayhead, Kylis
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[fàd]: “Fàd na mo làimh, fàd air mo bhròig, ’s fàd air an iarunn”. Used by the person throwing out when the person cutting is going too fast.
Location: Harris, Tarbert
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
[fàrradh]: Am fàrradh a chuir e steach. – Chanadh tu seo mu dhuine a dh’itheadh uibhir mhór de bhiadh aig an aon àm. “Am fàrradh a chuir e a steach.”
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[fèath]: Tha an oidhche ’na feith. The night is calm.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[fùdar]: “Tha e cho brais ris an fhùdar.” – Cho aithghearr ’n a nàdur.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[gabh]: Gabh am mach air an dorus. Get out of doors.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[gabhail]: Thug i droch gabhail dha. – She gave him an excessive spanking.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[gabhte]: Cha chuala mi nach robh Jessag beò fhathast. Tha mi an dòchas gu bheil i air sealltainn gu math as a deidh. “Tha a facal glé ghabhte aig na leddies an Dunéideann” chanadh na bodaich. ’Se “Am Bible Woman” a chanadh iad ri leithid Seònaid.
Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[galar]: An galair a tha ’san aodann chan fhaodar fhalach.
Location: South Uist, Lochcarnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[gaol]: ’S ioma rud a ni an gaol is cion an tombàca.
Location: South Uist, Lochcarnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[gaol]: ’S olc an rud an gaol an uair a thig e an craos duine.
Location: South Uist, Lochcarnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[gaoth]: Cha chuireadh e gaoth eadar e ’s an làr. – Couldn’t lift it off the ground.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[gaoth]: Ag òl na gaoithe. – Looking into the wind, sniffing, and taking it all in (bo, fiadh, no an leithid sin).
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[gaoth]: Ceann gaoithe. An addled head. [NOTE in second hand: This is an obscure and apparently meaningless [sic].]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[gaoth]: “Gaoth a tuath a ruaigeas an ceò.”
Location: North Uist, Grimsay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[gaoth]: Gaoth tuath fuachd is feannadh / Gaoth an ear meas far (thar?) chrannaibh / Gaoth an iar iasg is bainne / Gaoth deas teas is toradh.
Origin: Mull, Tobermory
Category: Sìde / Weather
[gaoth]: Gaoth gu bhi uamhasach mor, àrd is tioram – tuath, an iar-thuath (déireadh September, toiseach October).
Origin: Mull, Tobermory
Category: Sìde / Weather
[gaoth]: “An uair a bhios a ghaoth air chall iarr bho’n deas i.” After a period of calm weather it was a sign of bad weather when the wind blew from the south.
Location: South Uist, South Boisdale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[gaoth]: “Rud a thig leis a’ ghaoith, falbhaidh e leis an uisge.” Something which you gain by sheer luck is likely to be taken away from you just as quickly as you found it.
Location: South Uist, South Lochboisdale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[gaoth]: Rud a thig leis a ghaoith, falbhaidh e leis an uisge.
Origin: [North Uist?]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[gaoth]: Fhalbh, thuirt an Righ, fuirich thuirt a’ ghaoth.
Origin: [North Uist?]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[garadh]: “Cleas na cailliche bha seachd bliadhna ’ga garadh.” Creutair nach biodh tric a’ dol a mach. Ach an latha-sa nuair a dheadh è no ì a mach thigeadh an t-uisge ’s an t-uisge mór, agus bhiodh air drùidheadh air a seiche, no air a sheiche, mu’s fhaigheadh an creutair dhachaidh. Chanadh tu an uair sin, “Cleas na cailliche bha seachd bliadhna ’ga garadh.”
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[gasda]: Thuirt mi roimhe gu bheil againn mu dhuine diadhaidh – duine stòlda diadhaidh, ged nach bitheadh e air leth soilleir mar an fheadhainn chomharraichte – gasda. “’Se gille gasd a th’ann.” ’Se ‘gille’ a chanadh iad ged a bhiodh an duine pòsda agus ’na sheanair. [SLIP: A religious man – irrespective of age.]
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Nàdur an Duine / Personality
[gath]: An aghaidh nan gath. “Cnòdan an aghaidh nan gath.” No nì sam bith an aghaidh nan gath. Bidh i seo anns a h-uile h-àit, chanainn.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[geadadh]: A’ geadadh nan gruag. – A’ sabaid ’s a draghadh an fhuilt. (Chanainn gur h-ann mu shabaid bhoirionnach a dh’eirich seo an toiseach.)
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[geal]: “Chan fhaca mi geal e do an deanainn sin.” (Bidh i seo, chanainn, anns a h-uile h-àite.)
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[geall]: Cuiridh mi geall nach bi e ann an àm. – I bet he will not be in time.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[geall]: An geall na’s fhiach e. – Betting for what he is worth.
Location: Killearnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[gealladh]: Tha iad air an gealladh (gealltuinn). They are promised.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[gealladh]: An treas uair a gealladh. Third time lucky.
Location: South Uist, Lochcarnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[gearradh]: An d’fhuair thu dad? Cha d’fhuair gearradh.
Location: Killearnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[geilidh]: Bha geilidh air a’ choire (kettle) air an teine. – Bha e a’ goil gu sunndach.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[geimeannan]: A’ h-uile gin de na geimeannan (no cluicheannan) a thog mi an seo shuas, cho fada agus a tha lorg agam, tha iad air an aon stéidh. Cha mhath tha cuimhne agam an diugh, gu mionaideach dé mar a bha iad a’ dol. Geimeannan am measg nan curracagan, abair sin. Gu leòir, agus feadhainn a bhiodh sinn fhìn a’ deanamh, a thuilleadh air feadhainn shuidhichte bho shean, mar falach-fead (bìog falach fead a bh’againne air.) Cha b’ann a’ fàs ’s a’ fàs na b’àirde chun an adhair a bhiodh na curracagan idir mar a bhiodh na làithean agus na h-oidhcheannan a’ dol seachad. Agus abair nach b’ann!
Origin: Leodhas [Lewis], Uig
Category: Cur-seachadan: Dèideagan, Geamaichean is Farpaisean / Recreation: Toys, Games, Contests
[general sayings or proverbs 10]: An oiteag luaineach feadh nam bruach tha gluasad barr an fheòir.
Origin: Tiree
Category: Sìde / Weather
[general sayings or proverbs 1]: Fiath an fhaoillich agus gaol siùrsaich.
Origin: Tiree
Category: Sìde / Weather
[general sayings or proverbs 2]: B’fhèarr leam ruag is creach a thighinn do’n tìr na madainn mhin an fhaoillich.
Origin: Tiree
Category: Sìde / Weather
[general sayings or proverbs 7]: Gaoth-a-tuath fuachd is feannadh / Gaoth-an-iar iasg is bainne / Gaoth-a-deas teas is toradh / Gaoth-an-ear tart is crannadh.
Origin: Tiree
Category: Sìde / Weather
[general sayings or proverbs 8]: Ma chailleas tu ghaoth, iar an deas i.
Origin: Tiree
Category: Sìde / Weather
[general sayings or proverbs 9]: Speur dearg anns a’ mhadainn trath anns an earrach, bha fiughair ri an-shìd’ gun dàil, agus gaoth an eara-dheas.
Origin: Tiree
Category: Sìde / Weather
[giurne]: Bho’n a ghiurne chun a ghuirne. – An expression meaning from the cradle to the grave. ‘Giurne’ meaning sawdust and ‘guirne’ meaning the pith of rushes.
Origin: Baleshare
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[glamhadh]: “Lig an cù glamhadh thige.” – “Lig e leum thige”.
Location: [Harris], Leverburgh, Kintulavaig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[glaodh]: “An glaodh a tha nam chluais, mi chuala ’s nach mi a chaoineas, nach ann as mo dhaoine fhein.” – according to the informant this verse was said after an indication of impending death in the community had been experienced. This indication came in the form of a heavy, mournful musical note which rang repeatedly in a person’s ear. Thereafter the above phrase was repeated so as the impending death would fall outside his/her own family. Informant recently experienced this.
Location: South Uist, Lochcarnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[glas is iuchair]: a’ cheud toimhseachan a chuala mi riamh: Bó odhar, bó odhar / An dorus an t-sobhail / I cnàmh a cìr / Is laogh ’na gobhal. (Glas is iuchair)
Origin: Geàrrloch (Loch Iubh) [Gairloch (Loch Ewe)]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
[gleoca]: Tha an gleoca air toiseach. – The clock is fast. Tha an gleoca air dheireadh. – The clock is slow.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[glic]: Bu ghlic a’ bheart dha sin. – A wise thing for him to do that. Tormod: “Chaidh speach anns an lìon aig an fhigheadair ’s cha deadh am figheadair air a h-àrainn.” Coinneach: “Bu ghlic a’ bheart dha sin.” (Wasp agus spider.)
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[gluasad]: Cha d’fheum i riamh an dara gluasad. She never required a second urging.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[gludruigeadh: [?]] Bha ghlaic eadar an da bhalla air a lionadh le criadh agus clachan meanbh (clachan meanbh agus criadh air am measgachadh. Theiridh mid [sic] – gludruigeadh [?] ris a sin).
Origin: [Harris? – cf. ‘Taigh Croitear anns na Hearadh – an taigh anns an do rugadh mi.’]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
[gnogadh]: Cha deach gnogadh air. – [he hasn’t grown an inch.]
Origin: Skye
Category: Nàdur an Duine / Personality
[goil]: Bheil an coire a goil? – Is the kettle boiling?
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[goillear]: Ma bha a grinn bu naireach dha fear a ghoillear. Mu’n fhear aig an robh aodan mor goilleach. [NOTES: space inserted between ‘bu’ and ‘naireach’. The word ‘dha’ added.]
Location: Tiree
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[gort]: Chan eil an so ach a’ ghort. – There is nothing here but famine. (?)
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[gort]: Geamhradh reotaineach / Earrach ceothaineach / Samhradh breac, riamhach / Is foghar geal grianach / Cha d’fhàg gort riabh an Alba.
Location: South Uist, Lochcarnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[greannach]: cho greannach ri biast-dhubh ann an càrn – as irritable as an otter in a ‘cairn’.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Coltas an Duine / Personal Appearance
[greim]: Tha e an greim. He is in custody.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[grinneal]: an grinneal – a ruigear nuair a theirgeas a’ mhòine.
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
[griodhan]: Chan eil griodhan siùcair anns an tigh. – Not a grain of sugar in the house.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[grod]: Laidhe an sin gus an grod tu. Lie there till you rot. [NOTE in second hand: Laidhe corrected to Laigh.]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[gruaidh]: Bheireadh a’ chuileag an fhuil as a ghruaidh. – He is very, very rosy.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[gruth]: ‘An taobh a chaidh an gruth / Theirigeadh ’na shruth a’ meug.’ – an old saying.
Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[gràinnean]: “Tha gràinnean ann.” – A spark of pluck. A spark of manliness. A spark of temper. Ged a tha e solt, agus glé sholt, ’s ged a dh’fhuilingeas e móran, an déidh sin tha gràinnean ann.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[gràisg]: Chan ’eil fhios ’am a bheil e ann an àiteachan eile. Chanadh na bodaich againne ‘a’ ghràisg’ ri clann an cumantas. Gu h-àraidh nuair a bhiodh sinn a’ ruith a muigh. ’S mar sin. [SLIP: ‘Rascals’ – particularly used by older people when children e.g. running out.]
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Nàdur an Duine / Personality
[gu ruig]: Gu ruig an tigh. As far as the house.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[gàtairean]: An fheadhainn nach deadh a mach do an fhuachd ’s do an fhliuchadh (daoine) ach a dh’fhuireadh a stigh. “Chan eil annaibh ach gàtairean.”
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[ian]: “’Se ian a th’innte.” – Boirionnach, sunndach (an corp ’s an inntinn), dèanadach, math airson a gnothaich.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[iar]: “Is fhada an iar a bhitheas e.” Màiri: “Feumaidh tu a’ chruach a dheanamh do Dhòmhnull.” Tormod: “Is fhada an iar a bhitheas e.” – A’ ciallachadh nach dèanadh e a’ chruach do Dhòmhnull.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[iaradh]: “Cha deacha iaradh air a bhus fad na h-oidhche.” – He was talking away all night. “Cha deacha abhsadh air a bhus fad na h-oidhche”, a chanadh muinntir an Taoibh Siar, Borgh có dhiu.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[iarunn]: “Tha iarunn ann.” – Iasg anns am biodh dubhan an sàs. Gheibheadh tu iad seo uaireannan. Bha iad an sàs uaireigin roimhe ach bha iad air faighinn as air dhòigh air choireigin. Bhiodh iad cho caol a bharrachd air an fheadhainn eile.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[iasgach]: Note: an t-iasgach-luathaireach agus an t-iasgach fadalach was [sic] two seasonal fishing, herring fishing, in the past on the east coast of Scotland – termed in the past.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[imprig]: “Imprig sathurna gu tuath, imprig luan gu deas; ged nach biodh agam ach an t-uan ’s ann Diluain a dh’fhalbhainn leis.” Considered unlucky to set off on a journey on a Saturday.
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[incantations]: Note: there were various incantations – an incantation for a stye, an ulcerous wound, a blockage in the urine passage of animals and so on, depending on what nature of complaint it was.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[innis]: An innis tu mi fhein dhomh. Will you tell me my character.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[innseadh]: Ga innseadh dha fhein – telling it to himself. This refers to any loss sustained by an individual.
Location: Killearnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[iochd]: Le an h-iochd. With vigour.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[iomlaid]: Chaidh e mar siod ann an iomlaid na h-aon oidhche. – Turned grey, or anything else, in the course of one night.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[ionad]: An ionadan a chèile. (Ionadan – barrachd air aon ionad.) Bha na balaich a’ blaigeardachd air an dorus aig Tarmod. “Bha dùil ’am nach biodh e an ionadan a chèile aca mus do sguir iad.”
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[ioncag]: “Cha deach ioncag air.” – He has not grown an inch.
Origin: Barra
Category: Nàdur an Duine / Personality
[iongar]: Tharruing e an t-iongar. It drew pus.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[ionnsachadh]: “Cha bhith thu na’s òige ri d’ionnsachadh.” Calum: “Cha do rinn mise obair de’n t-seòrsa-sin a riamh.” Aonghus: “Cha bhith thu na’s òige ri d’ionnsachadh.” – Tha Aonghus a’ ciallachadh do Chalum tòiseachadh agus feuchainn air an obair. Cha bhith e na’s òige ri a ionnsachadh.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[ionnsachadh]: An t-ionnsachadh òg, an t-ionnsachadh bòidheach.
Origin: [North Uist?]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[iorball]: A’ dol a leigeil an iorbaill leis a’ chraicionn. “Tha na Frangaich ag ràdh mur a fhaigh iad barrachd cuideachaidh air na tha iad a’ faighinn, bho Bhreatuinn, gu bheil iad a’ dol a leigeil an iorbuill leis a’ chraicionn.” (1940)
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[irioslachd]: Is ann uasal a tha an irioslachd. Noble is humility.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[ite]: “Ag obair leis an ite.” B’e sin a bhith ag iasgach leis na h-ìtean – cast a bhiodh iad fhéin a dèanamh. Ite faoileig a bhiodh a’ dol air na dubhanan.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
[June]: Following verse said at the onset of better weather at the beginning of June. In the context of June speaking, addressing the previous months. “Càit an do dh’fhag thu gamhnain bochd?” “Leag mi air a ghlùinein e ’s chuir mi shùil ris an t-sòp.” “Ma bheireas mise air agus anail air barr nan cluas cuiridh mi earball air feadh nan cnoc.”
Location: South Uist, Iochdar
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[keel]: Quotation: Bha na bàtan cóig no sè troigh fichead anns an [dɔim]. Notes: keel.
Origin: Carradale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[la buain na monach]: ’S e la mor a b’abhaist a bhith ann an la buain na monach, gu h-àraidh do’n chloinn. Bha a’ mhoine cho faisg air bailtean ceann shios an Rudha is gum biodh an sgiobadh a’ tighinn dhachaidh gu gach biadh. Dh’innseadh bratach dhaibh ’cuin a bhiodh am biadh deiseil. Bha searbhadair shoithichean, no pios aodaich air chor-eigin eile ga cheangal ri bàrr slait chreagaich fhada, agus rachadh duine leatha chun an tobhta, no eadhon suas gu mullach an tigh dhuibh ga cumail suas riu. ’S e urram mór a bhiodh ann do’n ghille a gheibheadh suas leis a’ bhrataich so, ach b’e a dhleasdanas airson na duais so an teine a fhrithealadh is gun a leigeil as, agus e bhith cinnteach gum biodh pailteas do uisge na tobrach ri laimh a’ chòcaire.
Cuideachd, air an la so, bhiodh mìlsean ann, gu h-àraidh silidh, agus as docha lof, nithean a bha gle annasach roimh am a’ cheud chogaidh mhóir. Bhiodh cuid de thighean ann is cha bhiodh so aca, agus a chionn sin bhiodh e duilich dhaibhsan òigridh fhaighinn do’n sgiobadh aca. Bhiodh iad so aig amannan air an aoireadh ann an rabhd:
’An Dhomhnuill ’s cha bhi silidh ac’ / ’S cha bhith [sic] càil milis ac’, / ’S mise nach teid idir thuc’ / A dh’ithe bioraich shioman. Agus a ris: Bhuain dhan Donnach cha teid sinne, / So a bheir an Donnach dhuinn, / Buntàt’ athurrnach gus ithe, / Teatha gun shiùcar, ’s brochan lom; / Rionnaich ruadh’ thug bliadhn’ am piceil, / ’S bidh sinn seachdain le ar com.
Nuair a rachadh la a shuidheachadh gu buain ’se la nan seachd sian a bheireadh orra an la sin a bhristeadh, agus bhiodh iad ’nam botunnan ’s nan oiliscin anns na puill. Cha chuireadh uisge stad idir orra, ach chuireadh sneachd. Bhiodh iad a’ buain na monach na bu tràithe aig an am ud is aig iasgairean agus aig clannighean an sgadain togail orra a Ghallaibh, a Shealtuinn is dhan a’ Bhruaich is bhiodh iad airson obair an fhearainn is na monach a bhith ullamh mas fhàgadh iad. An diugh chan eil a’ chabhaig cho mor, agus an diugh tha tentaichean an cois luchd na monach, eadhon ann an cridhe an t-samhraidh far an ruith iad ma thig fras. Faic ‘An Sireadh’ le Ciorstai NicLeòid as Paible an Rudha. T.D. 7-8 ‘Buain na Monadh’.

Location: Lewis, Port of Ness
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
[labhairt]: Cia uime an robh sinn a’ labhairt? Of whom were we speaking?
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[lach]: “Bha dùil aige gu’n robh an lach air spòig aige.” – Bha dùil aige gu robh an nì soirbheachail leis, no gu bhith soirbheachail leis, glé shoirbheachail.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[lag]: “Is fhearr an dicheall lag na an neart lag.”
Location: North Uist, Grimsay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[lagh]: Càm is dìreach a thig an lagh.
Origin: [North Uist?]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[lamh]: Fhuair iad an lamh an uachdair. – They got the upper hand.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[laogh]: Chuireadh e an laogh bho dheoghail. It would “scunner” a toad.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[laogh]: “’S ioma rud a tha an cois a’ laoigh nach saoill a mhàthair.” – a proverb which refers to the unpredictability of someone you might trust implicitly.
Location: South Uist, Iochdar
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[Latha Fheill Padruig]: “Latha Fheill Padruig, leth an earraich, thig an niomhair as an talamh, cha bhith mise ris an niomhair, ’s cha mhotha bhios an niomhair ruim [sic].” The reference to the serpent is unclear to me and the informant cannot shed light on its significance.
Location: South Uist, Iochdar
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[latha]: Fad mhìnn shuaimhneach an latha – all day long.
Location: Killearnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[latha]: Latha fada Fhéill Phàdruig a dh’fhòghnas dh’an duine ’s fòghnaidh an duine dha. – an expression associated with Midsummer’s day.
Location: South Uist, Lochcarnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[latha]: Suipeir soillse latha latha Fhéill Brìde, ’s dinneir soillse latha latha Fhéill Pàdruig. – A saying which refers to the lengthening of the available hours of daylight. [NOTES: note added in pencil: a question mark and an arrow showing that the words ‘suipeir’ and ‘dinneir’ should be the other way round.]
Location: Barra, Northbay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[le]: Co leis an teid thu? With whom will you come?
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[leac an teinean]: The stone slab in front of the fire – known as ‘leac an teinean’. During my time there I never saw coal burnt.
Origin: [Harris? – cf. ‘Taigh Croitear anns na Hearadh – an taigh anns an do rugadh mi.’]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
[leanabh]: A leanabh a bhaistear ’s ann air a bhitheas an t-ainm. Despite a nickname the original name on the birth certificate is the one that counts.
Location: North Uist, Grimsay, Gearradh Dubh
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[leannan-òinsich]: Cha chreid mi gu bheil ‘leannan-òinsich’ againn idir. [NOTES: one of the phrases suggested in the questionnaire – ‘an easily led man’.]
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Nàdur an Duine / Personality
[leannan]: Fuath a ghiollain a cheud leannan. – an old Gaelic expression which turns its English equivalent on its head. Implies that a first love is not forgotten but for reasons other than romantic nostalgia. Rather this saying says that a first love is hated thereafter.
Location: Barra, Northbay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[leig]: Leig e air an at. – Lanced it.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[leig]: Leig an gunna. Fire the gun.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[leig]: Leig air an lionnachadh. Open the abscess.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[leig]: Duine ris an leiginn ris mo bhriathran. One to whom I could unbosom myself.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[leithid]: Am faca tu riamh a leithid? – Did you ever see the like? Shiubhail mi an saoghal ’s chan fhaca mi riamh a leithid. – I have travelled the world and saw nothing like that.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[leogan]: Buill’ leogain. Ceum leogain. – Ducks and drakes. ‘Clach sniog-sneog’ air a’ Bhac ann an Leòdhas.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[leth]: An leith as mo. The majority.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[leud]: Leud na ròine – the 48th part of an inch.
Location: Killearnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[leum]: Làrach do thòine do leum. – Nan tuiteadh sinn air ais an déidh an talamh a bhualadh anns an leum, agus gu’m buaileadh ar màs fodhainn, b’e seo “làrach do thòine do leum” agus ’se seo a bh’air a chunntadh. Is iomadh argumaid a bh’ann mu an seo.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[leòbag]: Leòbagan anns an adha aice. – Flukes in the liver (in sheep).
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[liaghaig]: E cho geal ris an liaghaig leis an eagal. (Tuigidh sibh fhéin.)
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[lighiche]: Ciod a dh’orduich an lighiche? What did the Doctor prescribe?
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[lion beag]: Tha an lion beag, a tha air a réiteach a cheana, air a dhòirteadh ’na chnap ri do chois chli. Suidh air stòl, no air an lar leis an sguil fhalamh eadar do dha chois. (Tha seir car àrd is trom air do dhruim.) Tarraing earball an lin bhig tarsainn air do shliasaid chli, is cuir a mach tarsainn air oisean màs na sguile e gus am bi e deiseil gus a cheangal ri lion beag eile aig am cura. Tha druim an lin-bhig a nise ga chuibhligeadh do bhroinn no mhionnach na sguile gus an tig thu chun a’ cheud snòta. Tha biadhadh ga chur air an dubhan, is tha an dubhan leis a bhiadhadh so ga chur ’na laighe ri cliathaich na sguile gu do laimh chli far am bheil broinn agus beul na sguile a’ coinneachadh, is tha thu gabhail air t-adhart a leigeil gach dubhan le biadhadh taobh ri taobh gus an ruig thu taobh eile na sguile is bidh sreath deiseil. Tha thu a’ tilleadh gu do laimh chli leis an dara sreath is leis gach sreath eile gus am bi an lion air a bhiadhadh gu h-iomlan. Nuair a theid an dubhan mu dheireadh a bhiadhadh tha thu ceangal earball (no cluas) an lin bhig ri cluais na sguile – ris a chluais dheis – oir ’se ise a bhios na’s fhaisge air an fhear cura anns an eathar. Cuiridh thu a nise an sgùil air a bhalla tarsainn no air an tobhta gus am bi thu deas gu falbh leatha, ach fiach gun cuir thu t-oiliscin no comhdach sam bith eile air a bhiadhadh anns an sguil air an neo ’se cait a’ bhaile a bhios tu a’ sgròbadh dheth mus fhaic e an fhairge.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
[lionarag]: udagag, an adagag, a ghobhar athar, a lionarag ’s a’ naoisg. (In Uist the various names of the one bird – the lionarag.)
Location: South Uist, Bornish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[lite]: “Dé an aois tha Peigi Mhór?” “Tha i dà-fhichead ’s a còig.” “Thà, ’s an tè a bha i ’g ithe an lite.” – Tha Peigi Mhór gu math na’s seana na dà-fhichead ’s a còig.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[lite]: “Na bi bogadh do shliopean air an lìte [sic] nach òl thu.” Make sure you know what you are getting involved in.
Location: North Uist, Grimsay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[lobhta]: Means of tying hay, corn, etc. for feeding: sreang crochte ris an lobhta no ris a’ bhalla agus clach fhreagarrach slaoda rithe ’ga cumail stòlda ’na h-àite. Lobhta – an t-sreang a’ deanamh snaim ann an seo. Am bad no a’ ghibeag fheòir am broinn na sreinge agus na creutaran a’ draghadh cho math ’s a dheadh aca air. Bhiodh a’ chlach dìreach aig bonn na lùibe de’n t-sreing, aig àirde fhreagarrach do na beathaichean.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
[Locha Buidhe]: Rinn e Locha Buidhe. Aonghus: “Rinn Dòmhnull Locha Buidhe air a’ cheist an diugh.” (aig na h-Orduighean) – Chaidh e ro fhada, agus thug e ro fhada.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[loiceadh]: An d’fhuair thu cadal? Cha d’fhuair loiceadh.
Location: Killearnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[loisg]: “Loisg e air an fhiadh ’s cha do gheàrr calg.” – Cha do bhuail e e. Chanaidh iad, cuideachd, “Loisg e air, ’s mallachd srad.” – Cha do bhuail e idir e.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[lonaid]: Bha an aon seòrsa lonaid anns na trì biotaichean le am meudachd fhéin anns gach aon dhiubh a rèir meud na biota [q.v.]. Bha cumadh nan lonaidean mar seo (Bho a taobh; A’ coimhead sios oirre; A’ coimhead oirre bho shìos): [see illustrations].

Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Leabhar Deilbh / Drawing Book
[long]: Ge b’e a ghleidheas an long ’s a làmhan gheibh e athais uaireigin. Counsels us not to rush something when more favourable conditions might yet arise.
Location: North Uist, Grimsay, Gearradh Dubh
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[lorg]: “Chan eil lorg air mac an abhaig dhiubh.” – Not one of them to be found.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[luath]: Cho luath ris an fhiadh.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[luath]: Rinn e luath is deargannan ann. – Duine a bhiodh ro thric ann an tigh (tigh duine eile) agus a’ fantuinn ro fhada ann, chanadh sinn seo uime. Mar bu trice bhiodh seo a’ tachairt ri linn boirionnach a bhith anns an tigh, a bhiodh e as a déidh. Tuigidh sibh fhéin.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[lugha]: O’n aon as lugha gus an aon as mo. From the least to the greatest.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[luid]: For an untidy housewife we used the word – “luid”.
Category: Nàdur an Duine / Personality
[luideag]: Anns na luideagan. – In the nappies. Bha mise aig an iasgach agus tu anns na luideagan.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[Là Taingealachd an Fhoghair]: La eile a bhiodh aca agus a bha iad a’ cumail glé mhath: Là Taingealachd an Fhoghair. Bha iad a’ cumail an fhir-sa cho cùramach ri Là na Sàbaid.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
[là]: Am fear nach cuir ’s an la fhuar, cha bhuainn ’s an la theth.
Origin: [North Uist?]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[làmh]: Fhuair iad làmh an uachdair. – They got the upper hand.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[làmh]: Cùl mo laimhe ri fear cho olc!!! – an objection!
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[làmh]: Cùl mo làimh ris – an attitude of strong disapproval.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[làmh]: An làmh a bheir is i a gheibh. – Sean-fhacal.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[làmh]: Feumaidh an làmh a bhith ris (no rithe). – He or she (caora no creutar de’n t-seòrsa) must be helped by hand-feeding.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[làmh]: Chuireadh an làimh e. – He was apprehended.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[làmh]: “Cha bu mhór a dheanadh e ’na dhà làimh.” – Wouldn’t be much against him in a grip. Ann an straighlich agus cha b’e tè chàirdeil.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[làmh]: “Chaidh an solus as agus bha mi ag obair fo mo làmhan anns an dorchadas.”
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[làmh]: Leig e ruith d’a làimh. “B’àbhaist do Dhòmhnull a bhith deanamh soithichean glé mhath. Ach am fear-sa chan eil lorg aige air a bhith math. Leig Dòmhnull ruith d’a làimh leis an fhear-sa.”
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[làmh]: “Làmh fhada agus cead a’ sìneadh.” – Chanadh na bodaich seo aig biadh nuair a bhiodh iad a’ ciallach cantuinn riut thu fhéin a dheanamh gu math aig an tigh.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[làmh]: Gabh an laimh. Undertake.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[làmh]: Tha e an laimh. He is in custody.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[làmh]: Ge b’e ’s luaithe làmh ’s leis an gobhar ’sa fiadh. First come first served.
Location: North Uist, Grimsay, Gearradh Dubh
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[làmh]: Ge be nach smachdaich làmh ris a ghlùin, cha smachdaich làmh ris an uilinn. If you do not reprimand children when they are at knee height you will be too late when they are up to your elbow.
Location: South Uist, Lochcarnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[làn]: Rug an lan oirnn. The tide overtook us.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[làr]: “Cha chomharraicheadh e an làr.” – Leòinte. Cha leigeadh e a chas fodha.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[lìon-mhór agus lìon-bheag]: Cho fad’s is aithne dhomh ’se an aon seòrsa ainmeannan aca mu an lìon-mhór agus mu an lìon-bheag.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
[lùb]: An luib an Domhnaich. In preparation for the Sabbath.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[maide na slabhraidh]: [See an t-slabhraidh.]
Origin: Skye
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
[maide]: Cha chuireadh e maide ’n a phàirt. – Cha bheireadh e air cho math is ’g an dèanadh e e, a’ ruith as a dhéidh.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[maide]: An car tha ’s an t-seana mhaide ’s doirbh a thoirt as.
Origin: [North Uist?]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[maorach]: Anns na Bàigh, ann an Uig an Iar, sin agaibh far am faigh sibh a’ mhaorach. Chanainn gu bheil Sgoil Lochcroistean comasach air pailteas a thoirt dhuibh air a’ cheann ‘maorach’.
Origin: Lewis, Uig an Iar
Category: Maorach / Shellfish
[maorach]: “Dean maorach fhads a bhios an tràigh ann.”
Location: Harris, Sgarastamhor
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[maorach]: Tha oir-thir Sgìre Nis cho fosgailte do thonnan móra a’ Chuain a’ Siar is na creagan cho cas, is nach fhaigh móran maoraich cothrom fàs orra; Suas an Taobh Siar, gu h-àraidh mu Bhorgh, ’se creagan iosal briste a tha ann, is bidh an tràigh a’ fagail lùin móra a measg nan sgeirean sin a bheir fasgadh do mhaorach cladaich.
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness, Lionel
Category: Maorach / Shellfish
[marsanta]: “’S math am barr a riaraicheas am marsanta ged is olc an fhéill a dh’fhàgas duin’ e fhein air an emairt.”
Location: North Uist, Grimsay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[math]: Am math is an t-olc. The good and the bad.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[meang]: ’S minig a bha meang ann an ùbhal bhòidheach.
Location: South Uist, Lochcarnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[meann]: An Aird man says he heard ‘meann’ pronounced “myan” in Easter Ross.
Location: Inverness
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[mearachd]: Rugadh ann am mearachd i. She was an illegitimate child.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[meas]: Tha e air a mheas ’na dhuine coir. He is considered an honest man.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[mianan]: Théid am mianan o dhuine gu duine mar theid an t-eunan bho dhoire gu doire. – The yawn passes from one person to another as a dicky bird flies from one clump of trees to another.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[miann]: Chan eil miann deise an aona mhìos. – a saying meaning that not everyone has the same tastes or preferences.
Location: Barra, Northbay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[ministear]: An e ministear a tha anns an dara fear aca seo. Do you mean to say that one of these men is a minister.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[ministear]: “Nuair a bhios a’ pobull gann ni an gille càm ministear.”
Location: South Uist, Iochdar
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[minister maide]: Bha minister maide a Tiridh / Chaidh aige chun an [?] Assembly air spree / “Mo chreach” ars easan / “Bidh mise aig an t-session / Ghabh mi tuilleadh/barrachd air coffee is ti.”
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
[mionaig]: “Slainte na mionaig nach tig / ’S tric is mionaig a thàinig / Ach nach truagh nach e mionaig nach tig / A bha an àite a’ mhionaig a thàinig.” A toast with a pun on the word ‘mionaig’ meaning ‘often’ and also being used of a woman who is preferred to the wife of the person making the toast. So ‘mionaig’ means someone who he preferred to his own spouse.
Origin: [South Uist]
Category: Coltas an Duine / Personal Appearance
[Mistress]: A’ Mhistress. Bean a’ mhinisteir. Bean a’ mhaoir-sgoile, bean an dotar no bean eile de’n t-seòrsa sin, ’s e ‘bean’ a bh’unnda. Ach bean a’ mhinisteir, ’s e a bh’innte a’ Mhistress. Chuala mi seo mu dheireadh a mach anns na 30-ean (1930s).
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[mithich]: Chan uair roimh a mhithich e. It is not an hour before time.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[Moire]: Bha sibh ag iasgach an diugh. An d’fhuair sibh tòrr/mòran? Moire, fhuair! Fhuair sinn an t-Agh. ‘Moire!’ is used quite regularly in Uig, although it is very far from Catholic influences.
Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
[molach]: Tha broilleach molach aige. – Duine a chuireas an airde salchar uair sam bith a nì e casd.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[mot]: ’Se mot a theireadh sinn ris an t-seors’ ait teine againne – bha moran dhiubh anns a bhaile againn. Cha b’ann am meadhainn an lair a bha e. Rudeigan [sic] mar seo. (6. [refers to the illustration] na busan made of clay and stone – flat on top, suitable for pans to be kept near the fire.)

Origin: [Harris? – cf. ‘Taigh Croitear anns na Hearadh – an taigh anns an do rugadh mi.’]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
[motha]: Cha mho orm thu’s an cu. I prefer the dog to you.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[motor]: An diugh chan fhaic thu seòl – tha motor orra uile, eadhon air geòla. Chan fhada as aithne do fhear iomradh.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
[muilinn]: Nach ann tha’n t-uisge aig a’ mhuilinn aig… Iain: “Nach ann tha’n t-uisge aig a’ mhuilinn aig MacLeòid.” – Tha MacLeòid ann an saorsa anabarrach airson bruidhinn. Agus the è ri bruidhinn. Agus móran còmhraidh anns a’ bhruidhinn.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[muinighinn]: “Na cuir muinighinn ’s an eileanach mur a cuir thu muinighinn an cuan ’s gaoth.” – a proverb used by mainland people for Islanders.
Location: North Uist, [Carinish], Cnoc Cuidhein [Knockquien]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[muir]: Ri taobh a’ mhara. – Chuala mi seo uaireannan. Ri taobh na mara a bhios againn an còmhnuidh an Leòdhas.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[màireach]: An dara mhaireach. The second morning.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[Màrt]: Ge be air bith bhios an sian cur do shiol anns a Mhàrt.
Location: South Uist, Lochcarnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[màthair]: Rud a bhios ’sa mhàthair ’s gnàth leis a bhith ’s an nighinn.
Location: South Uist, Lochcarnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[mèilich]: Tha an t-uan a mèilich. – The lamb is bleating.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[mèirleach]: Nuair theid na mearlaich thar a cheile this [sic] an t-ionracan na chuid.
Location: South Uist, Bornish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[mèogail]: Tha an cat a mèogail.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[mòine]: “Tha a’ mhòine anns an sgaoiltich.” – The peats are as laid out.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[mùn]: Quotation: Faodaidh i mùn an aghaidh na gaoth tuath air mo shon-sa. (Forgive me! if this is rather distasteful.) Source: Traditional. Notes: Reference to a girl who jilted a gentleman, him saying she may do likewise in coldness for him.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Coltas an Duine / Personal Appearance
[nadur]: Nach ann aige tha an droch nadur! – What a bad temper he has.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[neart]: Chan’eil neart an aghaidh na h-eiginn. Necessity knows no law.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[neart]: Bha e an treun a neirt. – he was at his peak.
Location: South Uist, West Kilbride
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[neul]: Tha e air neul an aoig. He has the colour of death.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[nighean]: Gabh nighean na deagh mhàthair ged a bhiodh an dòlas na athair dhi.
Location: South Uist, Lochcarnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[note]: [NOTES: the rest of the questionnaire (i.e. an t-sròn, an làmh, an cridhe) missing.]
Category: Faireachdain / Senses
[note]: (Tha mi duilich nach d’ fhuair mi cothrom ceart air na faclan uile mun chliabh a thional nuair a bha mi san Eilean Sgitheanach air an t-samhradh seo. RM [Ruairidh MacFhionghuin] 27/7/68)
Origin: Borraraig [Skye, Boreraig]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
[note]: Tha an uine cho fada bho an bha mise ris an obair so, is nach ’eil cuimhne agam air far leth-dusan facal, agus is iad sin, tha mi cinnteach, bithidh agaibh mu thràth. Boyd. Bagh-a-Chaisteil.
Origin: [North Uist - according to the card index of Informants]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
[note]: As you must know, the diphthong ‘eu’ is always pronounced ‘eeaa’ in Lochaber. An speur – the sky is certainly an exception.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[note]: Many of the Equivalents appearing in these lists are doubtless already well-known, but I have endeavoured, from personal inquiries made mainly in Zetland and other insular parts of Northern Scotland, to furnish some fresh information on the matter. For facility of reference the English Christian names are set down in alphabetical order; and against them are shown (1) the Gaelic equivalents and (2) the English equivalents, including those which are in use in certain specified regions – together with occasional explanatory notes. In the list “Male Personal Names” the patronymics are also given – not that they may serve much useful, practical purpose, but because patronymics figure largely in our Scottish nomenclature and are interesting as derivatives from our common Christian names. From a close survey of the lists certain main inferences may be drawn: 1. The correctness of the Registrar-General’s surmise “that some names have no doubt a significance differing according to locality” is demonstrated by the following examples:– (a) Ewen and Hugh. In Lewis these two names are distinct and have separate Gaelic equivalents. (Ewen = G. Eòghann; Hugh = G. Uisdean). But in the South Isles of the Outer Hebrides the two names are interchangeable and have a common Gaelic equivalent, (both Ewen and Hugh = G. Eòghann). This fact was first brought to my notice in South Uist and I subsequently got verification of it elsewhere; one instance being that of a boy from Uist attending school at Dornie, who was known as “Hugh” at home and as “Ewen” in school. (b) Effie and Henrietta. So far as the mainland of Scotland is concerned there is, I think, no connection between these two names; yet I find in Lewis they are interchangeable, the common Gaelic equivalent being “Eighrig”. I have corroboration of this from two schoolmasters who are natives of Lewis; and I found a practical example in the case of a Lewis lady resident in Skye, whose husband calls her “Effie” but who signs her name as “Henrietta”. 2. Many of our Personal Names are merely Anglicised forms of Gaelic Names, for example: Gillespie = Archibald (from G. Gill-easbuig), Donachie = Duncan (from G. Donnchadh), Murachie = Murdoch (from G. Muireach), Ailie = Helen (from G. Eilidh), etc. etc. 3. Some of the other names are not what might be termed exact equivalents, but are distorted forms given to foreign names by Ministers who were unacquainted with the foreign language. In this class is the name “Haki” or “Hakon” which has been transformed into “Hercules”; just as “Osla” has been twisted into “Ursula” and thence into “Cecilia”. It should be understood that my inquiries have been comparatively limited and that consequently the information given here cannot be anything like exhaustive on the subject of name equivalents. But the examples given are sufficient to illustrate that many odd equivalents do exist, and that the identity of a person with whose name we are furnished may be found under an alternative name.
Category: Ainmean Pearsanta Bhoireannach / Female Personal Names
[note]: (I do not have any special words for these activities. Parallel expressions were used e.g. a’ tilgeil an ùird.)
Origin: [Skye, Camus Chroise]
Category: Cur-seachadan: Dèideagan, Geamaichean is Farpaisean / Recreation: Toys, Games, Contests
[note]: Chan eil mi ro chinnteach an e uidheam, no ball, no rud, no gu dà, a chanainn [?] mu na cuspairean-sa shuas. Có dhiu, cha dean e deifir.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Leabhar Deilbh / Drawing Book
[note]: (’Se iad seo an cumantas a bhios againn a thaobh eaglais is creideamh.)
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
[note]: A mach bho gnothaichean eaglais is creideamh, tha móran ainmeannan againne airson an t-Sàtain. Mar:
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
[note]: ’S mar sin, ’s mar sin. Mar anns na h-àiteachan eile, móran ainmeannan mar a tha fios agaibh, airson an t-Sàtain.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
[note]: (Tha mi a’ cur seo air an duilleig-sa [i.e. on the blank page between 3. and 4.].)
Origin: Leodhas [Lewis], Uig
Category: Cur-seachadan: Dèideagan, Geamaichean is Farpaisean / Recreation: Toys, Games, Contests
[note]: (Tha mi a’ fàgail ainm no dhà eile a tha ’g éirigh rium gu samhradh. Nì mi cinnteach an uair sin gu’m bi mi ceart do’n taobh.)
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
[note]: Ann an ainmeannan tha againn: cnap, crò, lurga, bruga, clach, palla, lobhta, slinnean, òs, leac, sròn, dùnan, sìthean, lòn, beàrn, cadha, àrd, lùib, sgor.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Cruth na Tìre / Landscape Features
[note]: Tha eagal orm nach bith móran agam air a’ cheann-sa. Móran as ùr, có dhiù. Chanainn gu’m faigh sibh feadhainn an àiteachan eile a bheir gu leòir dhuibh air a’ cheann-sa. Có dhiù móran a bharrachd air na bhios agam-sa.
Origin: Lewis, Uig an Iar
Category: Maorach / Shellfish
[note]: Tha droch eagal orm gu bheil mi air an dà phàipear-sa mu dheireadh a dheanamh nas rapaiche agus nas ceàrra na a b’àbhaist dhomh a thaobh sgrìobhaidh. Ach tha sibh fhéin cho air leth seorp agus nach cuir sin maille sam bith oirbh.
Origin: Lewis, Uig an Iar
Category: Maorach / Shellfish
[note]: Ann an seo tha mi a’ cur sìos nam facal mar a thig.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[note]: Seo uile ’s a’ phàipear-sa. Tha trealaich mhath agam fhathast de ainmeannan ’s de ghnàthasan-cainnte. Ach tha mi ’g am fàgail – na h-ainmeannan có dhiu – airson cinn, ge b’e ’s bith c’uin a nì mi pàipear dhiubh. Chan eil fhios agam cinnteach dé mar a nì sibh feum de na gnàthasan-cainnte anns an fhaclair. Có dhiu saoilidh mi gu’n d’fhuair sibh trealaich mhath a chum feuma dhuibh anns na deich pàipearan a chuir mise a steach. Bidh na chuir mi sìos air lorg, co dhiu, de chòmhradh Uig an Iar. Agus seo uile an dràsda, a’ cur crìoch air an 10mh pàipear.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[note]: Tha móran ainmeannan againn, na’n cuimhnichinn-sa orra, le ‘an’, ‘ach’, ‘aire’, ’s mar sin, ’s an deireadh.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Nàdur an Duine / Personality
[note]: Cha chreid mi gu bheil càch againne mu an seo ach na tha cumanta anns a h-uile h-àit.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Nàdur an Duine / Personality
[note]: Tuilleadh air cuimhneachadh air bho an phàipear eile:
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Nàdur an Duine / Personality
[note]: Chanainn gu bheil ‘bumalair’ agus ‘buaisteir’ [sic] ann an iomadh àite.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Nàdur an Duine / Personality
[note]: Againne “an easily led man”:
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Nàdur an Duine / Personality
[note]: Ma thà facail ann, cha chuimnich mise orra aig an àm-sa.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Nàdur an Duine / Personality
[note]: ’S mar sin. Feuchaibh mo bhràthair aig 13 Crabhlastadh, an Uig, an Leòdhas, agus bidh fhios aige de na h-ainmeanan a th’aca air na galairean-sa.
Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[note]: Tha eagal orm gu bheil ainm no dhà, no barrachd, air chall orm mu’ an seo.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
[note]: Chan eil lorg agam air càil mu an seo.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
[note]: Cha chuir mi iad seo air na h-ainmeannan ceart Beurla idir. (Feuch mo bhràthair, Alasdair Seòras, 13 Crabhlastadh, Sgire Uige, ann an Leòdhas.)
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
[note]: Chan eil lorg agam air dad mu an seo. Cha chreid mi gu’m faca mi càil ceàrr mu an seo a riamh.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
[note]: Agus mar sin, a chanas sinn. (Faic an taobh-duilleig thairis.)
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
[note]: [NOTES: the following appears on an additional slip of paper stapled between 5. and 7. It may be a part of the missing page.] Bha tiuighead mhór anns na ballachan aig 1. 2. 3. Grunn mór, mór throighean. Bhiodh fosgalan aig dorus feadhainn de na seann thighean airson fasgaidh agus airson ruma. Cha chreid mi nach ann anns an fhosgalan a bhiodh a’ bhrà aca air an taobh siar ’s an eilean. Aig feadhainn dhiubh có dhiù.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
[note]: Chan eil nì agam mu an seo [i.e. a long thread and too much slenderness or too much thickness in a portion of thread]. (Feuchaibh Nic Neacail mu an seo.)
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Obair na Clòimhe / Wool-Working
[note]: (Feuchaibh Nic Neacail mu ghnothaichean an datha.)
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Obair na Clòimhe / Wool-Working
[note]: Cha chreid mi gu bheil ni sam bith as fhiach dhomh a chur sìos mu an seo. Ni ùr sam bith có dhiù. (Feuchaibh Nic Neacail.)
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Obair na Clòimhe / Wool-Working
[note]: Na’m biodh Donnchadh MacDhòmhnaill air ceann shìos a’ bhaile againn fhìn beò bheireadh e cuideachadh dhuinn mu chùisean na beairte. Cha deacha làmh a riamh air cùl beairte na b’fheàrr na e air dhòigh sam bith. Bheir mi dhuibh ainm fear a tha beò an diugh a bha ag obair air a’ bheairt mu’n d’thàinig na beartan ùra, na beartan abhtamataiceach: Calum MacMhathain (Calum Og), 6 Aird Uige, Ann an Leòdhas. Bhiodh e ag obair air a’ bheairt còmhla ri a athair. Tha a athair beò fhathast agus e gu bhith ceud bliadhna. “An Leddie” am far-ainm a bh’air. Chanainn gu’m bi na h-ainmeannan Uigeadh aig Calum Og. Is iongantach mur a h-eil mise air feadhainn dhiubh a chall.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Obair na Clòimhe / Wool-Working
[note]: Cha ruigear leas a bhith an urra ris, do thaobh àit-ainmean. Uaireannta chan eil aige ach e féin ag cur Gàidhlig air an rian Shasunnach den ainm. Theagamh gu bheil cuid diubh seo ceart gu leóir.
Origin: [Strathglass]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[note]: Sin na fhuair mi fhathast bho sgoileirean sgoil Lionail is bho bhodaich is boireannaich ann an Nis. ’So maorach gainmhich is laghaich air an robh mi eòlach nuair a bha mi an Uig is air na Lochan (Rainis) air mo thigheadas.
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness, Lionel
Category: Maorach / Shellfish
[note]: (...) seo agad cuid eile de fhaclan a’ chur mi sios air an duilleag sin, air an teachd do mo cuimhne [sic] o chionn beagan seachainnean air ais o’n t-àm mu dheireadh a scriobh mi thugad.
Origin: [Inverness-shire, Nethy Bridge]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[note]: (...) se sin cuid de dh’fhaclan a chula [sic] mi bho chionn beagan bhlidhnachan [sic] air ais ’nuair a bha m’Athair is na coimhearsnaich mun chuairt an so a’ bruidhinn a’ Ghaidhlig ged is ainneamh a tha i air a’ bruidhinn aig an làtha an diugh.
Origin: [Inverness-shire, Nethy Bridge]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[nàdur]: An droch nàdur – ill temper, usually referring to a child.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[obair an datha]: Chan fhaca mise a riamh móran de obair an datha. Chunna mi na h-uibhir dhe, ach bhithinn a’ cluinntinn bho fheadhainn a thàinig romham.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Obair na Clòimhe / Wool-Working
[oidhche Shamhan]: Sean-Fhacal Gaidhlig: An deigh oidhche Shamhan their iad crodh ris na h’aighean agus aighean ris na laoigh. [NOTES: slipped under ‘Samhuinn’. The quotation has ‘Oidhche Shamhuin’ [sic] and ‘ris na h-aighean’.]
Origin: Kill-Fhinn
Category: Crodh / Cattle
[oidhche]: An oidhche an nochd. This very night.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[oir]: Oir an ardaich. Hem of the cloth.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[oir]: Oir an t-sruthain. The edge of the stream. [NOTE in second hand: not sure of correctness of this.]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[oirdheirceas]: Oirdheirceas an eolais. Excellence (beauty) of knowledge.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[ola-an-ròin]: heat treatment, liniment oil a more modernisation [sic], seal oil (‘ola an ròin’)
boiled, when cooled to the point of applying, then the oil was well rubbed on the affected
part of the patient.
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Blàthan-Leighis / Medicinal Plants
[olc]: Chaidh e thun an uilc. He went to the Devil.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[olc]: Seachain an t-olc agus seachnaidh an t-olc thu. Shun evil and evil will shun you.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[olc]: Is fhearr an t-olc eolach na ’n t-olc aineolach. Better the known than the unknown end.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[olc]: Cha bhi olc an aon bhliadhna fada dol seachad. One year’s grievance soon passes.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[olc]: Is olc an airidh e. It is a pity.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[olc]: Is tric a fhuair “olc an airidh” car. Often “’Tis a pity” has been crossed.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[olc]: ’S olc an fhéill a dh’fhagas e fhein air an emairt. (empty).
Location: North Uist, Grimsay, Gearradh Dubh
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[olc]: Chan ann am Bòid uile tha an t-olc, no na Cuimrich [?] bheag tha lamh ris.
Origin: [North Uist?]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[osan] (E): Am pìos àraid a dh’fheumadh tu a dheanamh de an lìon airson an doruis ’s e an t-osan a chanadh iad ris.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
[ospag]: Air an ospag dheireannach. At the last gasp.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[paidhir]: Stocainn as gach paidhir. – An odd pair of stockings (tè as dà phaidhir eadar-dhealaichte).
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[paraffin oil]: Note 7: Paraffin oil was adapted as an antiseptic in the cure of cuts, pouring a little quantity, or drops of paraffin on a cut; and also urine, fresh urine.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[peilear]: “Théid e null air an abhainn, ’s thig e nall air an abhainn, Geàrraidh e am feur ’s chan ith e e.” Tòimhseachan. Am freagairt: peilear.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[peircean]: “Cuiridh peircean na caorach an crann air an fharadh.” A saying which predicts that sheep rearing will lead to the demise of traditional croft work due to the minimal amount of labour involved.
Location: South Uist, Stoneybridge
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[piantaiche]: ’Se piantaiche a th’anns an t-sùlaire. – Cho cruaidh ’sa tha e ag obair.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[pluc]: Boslachan oirre de an phluc (air caora).

Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[poit-mhùin]: (uile càil na àite fhéin ’s a’ phoit mhùin air an dreasair – have you ever heard it?)
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Coltas an Duine / Personal Appearance
[poit]: Cha tig as a phoit ach an toit a bhios innte.
Origin: [North Uist?]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[porridge]: Note: porridge was accepted as a remedy to help with the healing and curing ulcers on the stomach. Believed, porridge to be a soothing food, and helpful in acting as poultice, in absorbing matter, foreign, having an absorbent qualities in other words.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[port]: Pìobaire an aona phuirt. – A piper with only one or two tunes in his repertoire.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[portan]: Cnapaineach cruinn cruaidh, ’s cruaidh craiceann, a làmhan ’s an t-shùil a meadhoin a chlèith, fheòil a meadhoin a chnàimh. A riddle meaning a small crab (portan).
Location: South Uist, Peninerine
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[prioba]: Am prioba na sùla – in the twinkling of an eye.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[prioba]: Am prioba na súla – in the blinking of an eye, viz. immediately.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[priobadh]: An d’fhuair thu cadal? Cha d’fhuair priobadh.
Location: Killearnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[pronnadh]: A pronnadh an arain – breaking up bread into crumbs.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[putan]: Tha iad an diugh air an deanamh de iomadh seorsa rud: canabhas, ‘plastic’, ‘aluminium’ is gloine.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
[pàigh]: Cha phaigh drobhaireachd an draibhaireachd. No profit in the enterprise. [NOTES: ‘phaigh’ corrected to ‘phàigh’ and ‘drobhaireachd’ to ‘dròbhaireachd’.]
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[pìobair]: Piobair an aona phuirt. An indifferent piper.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[rach]: Rachadh e far an togar e. Let him go where he likes.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[raighde]: Nuair a bhiodh na giomaich aig na bodaich ann am bucas air acair a’ feitheamh ri’n cur air falbh, chanadh iad gu robh na giomaich “air an raighde” (mar ride' uh).
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
[raineach]: An raineach ri turrain ’sa ghaoith. The fern rustling in the wind.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[raineach]: Tha an raineach uaine air teachd thairis oirre. Green ferns have grown over her.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[rann]: Ceithir ranna ruadh an domhuinn. – The 4 points of the Compass.
Location: Killearnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[ranna]: Ceithir ranna ruadh an t-saoghail – the 4 quarters of the globe, East, West, North, South, the airts.
Location: Killearnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[rathad-mór]: Rinn iad rathad-mór troimh an phìos bhuntàta aige. – They made a track through his potato plot.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[rathad]: Chan ’eil a phrís sin as an rathad. – That’s a reasonable price.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[rathad]: Chan eil a phrís sin as an rathad. – That is not an exorbitant price.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[rathad]: Chuir e e-fhéin as an rathad. – He commited suicide.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[rathad]: ’Se so an rathad is fhaisge gu mor. This is the nearest way by far.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[reothairt]: Tha an reothairt ann.
Origin: [Barra]
Category: Sìde / Weather
[reothart]: Rabhairt an diugh is conntraigh am maireach. Up today and down tomorrow. [NOTE in second hand: Spring tide to-day, neap-tide to-morrow.]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[reothart]: Reothairt an diugh, conntraigh am maireach. Up today, down tomorrow.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[reub]: Reubadh an luingeas bharr an aeraichean. The fleet was torn from its anchors.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[riabaisteallag]: A swing. Bhiodh seo againn nuair a bha sinn òg. Bhiodh sinn uaireannan a’ deanamh riabaisteallag air an t-slabhruidh tarsuinn bho’s cionn an teine. (Chan fhaca mi riamh sgrìobhte e.)
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[ribhinn]: Gu cinnteach air latha Gill Bride thig an ribhinn as an toll.
Location: Na Hearadh, Gòbhaig [Harris, Gobhaig]
Category: Sìde / Weather
[rigneachadh]: “Abair gu robh na curracagan aig Calum air an rigneachadh.” – Air gabhail aca gu math le sìoman.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[riochd]: A gabhail orra a bhi gluasad an riochd na Gaidhlige. Posing as champion of the Gaelic cause.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[rionnag]: A’ tilgeil rionnagan. “Tha nàdur reothaidh air an oidhche an nochd, tha e tilgeil rionnagan.”
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[rionnag]: “Am bì thu dol a shealltainn air Dòmhnull ’s air a bhean?” “O, ’se rionnag ’s an oidhche fhrasaich a bhios mi dol a shealltainn orra.” (glé, glé ainneamh)
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[rodaigeadh]: Chan eil cuimhne agam a riamh mi fhìn an obair-sa a dheanamh, ach ’s ann mar siod a bhà cho fad agus a tha lorg agam-sa. Nì àrraid eile, chan fhaca mi a riamh poll air a rodaigeadh. Agus mi air mo bhreith ’s air m’ àrach ann an saoghal na monach.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
[roghnach]: An roghnaiche leat so? Do you prefer this?
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[roundelay]: We repeated the following roundelay: Thugainn a mach. C’àite mach? A thigh Ian Bhalla. De ’m balla? Balla mór. Dè mor? Mor am bidean. De ’m bidean? Bidean Uilleam. De an t-Uilleam? Uilleam Màn. De Màn? Màn a siorraidh. De an siorraidh? Siorraidh Leodhais. De Leodhas? Leodhas Uig? De an Uig? Uig dhromannan. De na dromannan? Dromannan chaorach. De na caoraich? Caoraich chloimheach. De a chloimh? Cloimh airson aodach. De an t-aodach? Tha aodach airson a chur mu do dhruim. Also: ‘Co sud thallud?’ ‘Mise, Starrag.’ ‘De th’agad ann a hen [sic]?’ ‘Bo mhaol, odhar, mharbh.’ ‘An toir thu rud dhomh fhin dhi?’ ‘Cha toir mi fhìn gu dearbh. Ca-ubh, ca-ubh, ca-ubh.’ And: ‘Dorra-mhèamh’ ars an cat. ‘De mheurlaich a th’ oirt?’ ‘Loisg mi mo spòg toirt na feoladh as a phrais.’
Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[ruadhan]: Tha an t-iasg ’na ruadhan. The fish is overcooked.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[rubbing oils]: Rubbing oils: lineament [sic], castor oil, melted butter, etc. were previous to the method use [sic] of ointments of today. ‘Ola-an-ròin’ was popular with generations past in various ways. Liver oils, ‘fish-oils’ as sometimes termed.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[ruffles hole]: An toll anns an druim aig eathar – an fheadhainn anns am bheil e – chan eil ainm agam air idir. ’Se ‘ruffles hole’ a chanar ris ’s a’ Bheurla. Mar seo:

Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[ruig]: Gach ni air an ruigeadh iad. Everything they could seize.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[ruith]: Thoir an aon ruith dhaibh. Give them the same treatment.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[ruith]: Leig ruith leis an uisge. Open the tap. [NOTE in second hand: or remove any obstruction.]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[ruith]: Air an ruith cheudna (air a cheart ruith). At precisely the same rate.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[rup-rap]: An tigh ’n a rup-rap. – An tigh troimhe chèile, gu’n rèiteach, gun sgioblachadh.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[ràith]: Raidhe a gheamhraidh, an earraich, an t-samhraidh, an fhoghraidh. The four quarters of the year.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[ràmh]: ‘Tha iomragh anns an ràmh gun a bhristeadh.’ This was a gentle reminder that the oar was being abused, especially when the rower gave sudden, powerful pulls, which could easily snap the oar.
Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[réitich]: Reitich an tigh. Put the house in order.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[réitich]: Reitich an snath. Disentangle the thread.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[réitich]: Reitich an rathad. “Gangway”.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[rùit]: “Cha sheamadh [?] e Samson an rùit anns an robh e.” (Tuigidh sibh fhéin.)
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[rùn]: An aghaidh mo ruin. Against my own inclination.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[rúth-ràth]: Tha an tigh “rúth-ràth”. (spelling?) – The house is in disorder.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[sad]: Sad Sasunnach. “Cuiridh mise sad Sasunnach as. Agus asda.” Bha cat aig Màiri agus bha i a’ saoilsinn tòrr dheth. Chuireadh e na crùidhean ann an duine uair sam bith, ach bha Màiri a’ smaoineachadh gu’m bu chòir seo a leigeil leis. An latha-sa thuirt an duine aig Màiri: “Cuireadh casan na crùidhean annam-sa agus cuiridh mise sad Sasunnach as an deireadh aige.”
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[sagart]: Cha d’ol an sagart ach na bha aige. The priest drank no more than he had.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[sagart]: Trì nithean nach fhaca mi riabh, ’s mi liath an de bhi òg, sagart a’ cluichd air a’ phìob ’sa sgriobhadh le ìte geoidh.
Location: South Uist, Lochcarnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[sail]: 11. An taigh – lair, ionad an ROTH, nan AMAR, agus an uisge na thuil choprach thormach agus an ROTH ’na ghille-mirein a’ cur nan car cho luath s nach fhaicte ach lasadh loinnireach nan LIAGH. Bha an t-SAIL-BHUINN fodha. Chite an t-SAIL DHIREACH dol suas tre’n lar far an robh i an amal an t-SAIL AOTROMACHAIDH – the lightening beam. An t-SAIL BHUINN was the ledger-beam on which the propeller rotated.
Location: [Lewis], Leurbost
Category: Muileann Lochlannach / Norse Mill
[saillt]: Cho saillt ri muir an dà rudha.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[salann]: An fhairge shalainn. The salt sea.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[salm]: Salm aige de na guidheachan. – Na chuimhnicheadh e orra aig an àm. E aige mar rud a bhiodh aige air a theangaidh. Anns na seann làithean ’se sailmean, ’s rudan de’n t-seòrsa sin, bu mhotha a bhiodh iad ag ionnsachadh air an teangaidh. Có dhiu, saoilidh mi, bho thàinig buaidh na h-eaglais gu math orra. Canaidh sinne, cuideachd, “an t-salm a bh’aige”.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[Samhainn]: “Mas e ciadaineach an t-Samhain ’s largainneach fir domhain. ’S mairg is mathair dh’an Mhac Mhaoth mas e Diardaoin latha Samhna.”
Location: North Uist, Grimsay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[samhlaich]: Na samhlaich an leithid riumsa. Don’t lay that to my charge.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[sannt]: Sannt gun sonas eiridh an donas dhuit. Hopeless greed will not succeed.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[saoghal]: Cha robh fhios agam air an aon saoghal. – I didn’t know on earth what.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[saoghal]: “Chuir i duine chun an t-saoghail an oidhche sin.” – She gave birth to a child that night.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[saoghal]: Là cur an t-saoghail as. – Là air leth dona, le gaoth agus uisge. Latha air leth garbh.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[saoghal]: Feadh an t-saoghal. Throughout the world.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[saoghal]: Thig crioch air an t-saoghal ach mairidh gaol is ceol.
Location: South Uist, Lochcarnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[saoghal]: Is fhearr an saoghal ionnsachadh na sheachnadh.
Location: South Uist, Lochcarnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[saoidhean]: Na meudan ann an saoidhean. 1. An sìol. 2. Cudaig. 3. Smalag 4. Leth-shaoidhean. 5. Dubh-shaoidhean. 6. Ucas. Ugsa.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[saor]: Ged ’s olc an saor is geal an t-sliseag. Not the fault of the wood if a job is badly done.
Location: South Uist, Lochcarnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[scribe]: Fhuair e e fhéin ann an scribe. – He got himself in trouble, usually in money matters.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[seach]: Chaidh e ma seach orm. I missed it. It did not occur to me. [NOTE in second hand: No. It became an excessive quantity.]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[seachnadh]: Fuiling an rud nach gabh seachnadh. Make a virtue of necessity.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[seachnadh]: Chan eil sian air an t-saoghal cho saor ri rud a dh’fhaodar a sheachnadh.
Location: South Uist, Stilligarry
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[seadh]: Seadh an sin! Well, what? (Tuigidh sibh fhéin.)
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[seadh]: Gabh ann an droch sheadh. Take in a bad sense. [NOTE in second hand: sheadh corrected to sheagh.]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[seadh]: Ciod an seadh anns an do ghabh thu e. In what sense did you take it. [NOTE in second hand: seadh corrected to seagh.]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[sealg]: B’e an t-sealg aig fear gun ghunna e. – Chanadh tu seo nuair a gheibheadh tu chance eagalach math airson gunna – geòidh, rabaidean, ròn no a leithid sin – ach gu’m biodh do ghunna aig an tigh. Cha bhiodh e agad aig àm na chance matha.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[sealladh]: Anns an t-sealladh. In sight.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[sealladh]: Le sealladh taoibh bu mhor an aire. With side looks they watched closely.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[sean]: Cho sean ris an iolaire riapaich. Cho sean ri na bruthaichean.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[seanair]: Seanair an t-seanair. Great great grandfather.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[Seanfhacal 10]: Sòlas an dara duine dòlas an duin’ eile.
Location: North Uist, Carinish, Cnoc Cuidhein [Knockquien]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[Seanfhacal 10]: Dia rathaid is diabhol teallaich. (Fear a tha suilbhireach a muigh agus mosach aig an tigh.)
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[Seanfhacal 15]: Nan robh ubh aca, nach iad a dheanadh an gog!
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[Seanfhacal 16]: Camshronaich bhog an ime, sliomairean a’ chàise.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[Seanfhacal 17]: Cha teid an còta glas cho math dh’an h-uile fear.
Location: North Uist, Carinish, Cnoc Cuidhein [Knockquien]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[Seanfhacal 17]: Cloinn Phàrlain an eich bhric nach robh glic riamh!
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[Seanfhacal 20]: A’ chuileag a thig as an òtrach ’si ’s airde srann.
Location: North Uist, Carinish, Cnoc Cuidhein [Knockquien]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[Seanfhacal 21]: Seachain an t-àth ’san do bhathadh do sheanair.
Location: North Uist, Carinish, Cnoc Cuidhein [Knockquien]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[Seanfhacal 21]: As an teine do’n ghrìosaich.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[Seanfhacal 23]: Cha tig air an t-seann each ach na th’ann a thoirt as.
Location: North Uist, Carinish, Cnoc Cuidhein [Knockquien]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[Seanfhacal 23]: Dì-choimhead sìor choimhead Mhuc-càrna. (Dì-choimhead monadh ann an Gleann Lonain.)
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[Seanfhacal 25]: Cha sheas a’ choinneal fada gabhail as an dà cheann.
Location: North Uist, Carinish, Cnoc Cuidhein [Knockquien]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[Seanfhacal 27]: Cha tig ubh mór a tòn an dreaghan. (Should this be ‘dreathan’?)
Location: North Uist, Carinish, Cnoc Cuidhein [Knockquien]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[Seanfhacal 29]: ’S olc an t-each nach giullain a dh’iollaid.
Location: North Uist, Carinish, Cnoc Cuidhein [Knockquien]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[Seanfhacal 29]: Rìgh O’ Rogamais agus Ban-rìgh O’ Theagamais. (Fhuair mi so o chionn fhada o m’ bhràthair-céile mu Dhùn Ghiorgadail. Tha an dùn os cionn Thobair-mhoire air an rathad do Shòrn agus ma’s fhìor gu’m b’iad so a bha os cionn a’ ghnothaich ’nuair a bha daoine a’ fuireachadh anns an Dùn.)
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[Seanfhacal 2]: Deoch eadar dà eas agus biadh eadar dà bhaile. (Air a ràdh mu luchd-siubhail ’s an t-uisge ’s am biadh gu math gann.)
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[Seanfhacal 30]: Cha ’n ’eil nì ’ga cumail ri chéile ach meirg agus stur na mine. (Air a ràdh mu’n bhàta ris an abradh iad an “Dunara”.)
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[Seanfhacal 31]: ’Nuair a thig an dubh ’s an geal do Mhuc-Càrna, théid an saoghal gu frì-frà.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[Seanfhacal 32]: ’S coma leis an t-sioda cò an tòn mu’n bi e.
Location: North Uist, Carinish, Cnoc Cuidhein [Knockquien]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[Seanfhacal 33]: Sùgh an eòrna, fear mo chaoimhneis; cha bhi foighneachd mu a phrìs.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[Seanfhacal 34]: Mu’n robh Pàp anns an Ròimh, gu’n robh Fiantainnean làidir an Cinn-tàile nam bò.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[Seanfhacal 36]: Ma bhuanaicheas tu leis an òrdaig caillidh tu air an lùdaig.
Location: North Uist, Carinish, Cnoc Cuidhein [Knockquien]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[Seanfhacal 38]: An rud nach tug ’s nach d’thàinig dhachaidh, grùdhan na h-earba gun bhrachadh.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[Seanfhacal 39]: Ge b’e gheibheadh a roghainn is mairg a thaghadh an diù.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[Seanfhacal 3]: Gaoth tuath is airgiod odhar. (Air a ràdh le Tiriodich a bha am feum fuireachd ann an Tobar-mhoire na b’ fhaide na bha a dhìth orra ri linn nam bàtaichean seòlaidh o’n a bha gaoth tuath a’ séideadh a steach do acarsaid Thobair-mhoire.)
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[Seanfhacal 40]: ’Nuair is teanna an taod ’s ann is docha i bristeadh.
Location: North Uist, Carinish, Cnoc Cuidhein [Knockquien]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[Seanfhacal 40]: Am bronnach geamhraidh ’s an seang earraich (cuma gamhna).
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[Seanfhacal 41]: Ceann mór ’s amhach chaol, aogasg an droch ghamhna.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[Seanfhacal 43]: Thig an fhàlairachd anns na h-eich mhóra leotha fhein.
Location: North Uist, Carinish, Cnoc Cuidhein [Knockquien]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[Seanfhacal 43]: Ceannsaichidh a h-uile fear an droch bhean ach am fear aig am bi i.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[Seanfhacal 44]: Théid an fheala-dhà gu a feala-trì.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[Seanfhacal 45]: ’S fhearr an t-olc eolach na an t-olc aineolach.
Location: North Uist, Carinish, Cnoc Cuidhein [Knockquien]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[Seanfhacal 45]: Mur b’e eagal [?] an dà mhàil, bheireadh Tiridhe an dà bhàrr.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[Seanfhacal 4]: Biodh sibh-se a’ deanamh deas; tha mise aige có dhiubh. (Cailleach ann an Uibhist agus i a’ faicinn “bicycle” air son na ceud uair.)
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[Seanfhacal 52]: Chan eil car anns an t-sionnach nach aithne dh’an t-sealgair.
Location: North Uist, Carinish, Cnoc Cuidhein [Knockquien]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[Seanfhacal 58]: Far an deach an gruth sruthadh am meang.
Location: North Uist, Carinish, Cnoc Cuidhein [Knockquien]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[Seanfhacal 60]: ’S math nach eil iuchraichean an domhain fo chois na h-aon mnatha.
Location: North Uist, Carinish, Cnoc Cuidhein [Knockquien]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[Seanfhacal 63]: Aithniche tu air sòp co an taobh tha ghaoth a’ sèideadh.
Location: North Uist, Carinish, Cnoc Cuidhein [Knockquien]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[Seanfhacal 64]: ’S math creagan ’s an Fhoghar ach ’s fhearr sguab ’san Earrach.
Location: North Uist, Carinish, Cnoc Cuidhein [Knockquien]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[Seanfhacal 67]: Glacaidh am fitheach a dh’eireas an toiseach sùil a’ bheathaich a tha ’sa phòll.
Location: North Uist, Carinish, Cnoc Cuidhein [Knockquien]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[Seanfhacal 68]: Am fear a dh’itheas an t-ìm deanadh e a’ chlachaireachd.
Location: North Uist, Carinish, Cnoc Cuidhein [Knockquien]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[Seanfhacal 71]: ’Nuair a dh’fhalbhas am fodar togaidh am bodach an gàradh.
Location: North Uist, Carinish, Cnoc Cuidhein [Knockquien]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[Seanfhacal 73]: Fainne òir ann an sròn muice.
Location: North Uist, Carinish, Cnoc Cuidhein [Knockquien]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[Seanfhacal 76]: ’S miosa an t-eagal na an cogadh.
Location: North Uist, Carinish, Cnoc Cuidhein [Knockquien]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[Seanfhacal 77]: ’S fhasa leis an darach lùbadh neo bristeadh.
Location: North Uist, Carinish, Cnoc Cuidhein [Knockquien]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[Seanfhacal 78]: Na cuir a mach an t-uisge salach gus an toir thu an t-uisge glan a staigh.
Location: North Uist, Carinish, Cnoc Cuidhein [Knockquien]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[Seanfhacal 82]: Ni an t-ìm blasda na còpagan.
Location: North Uist, Carinish, Cnoc Cuidhein [Knockquien]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[Seanfhacal 84]: ’S leir dhut an smuirnein an t-sùil do charaid ’s chan fhaic thu an t-sàil nad shùil fhein.
Location: North Uist, Carinish, Cnoc Cuidhein [Knockquien]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[Seanfhacal 88]: Na cuir ’s na seachain an cath.
Location: North Uist, Carinish, Cnoc Cuidhein [Knockquien]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[Seanfhacal 89]: Is mairg a chuireadh an ùir air a chinneadh fhein.
Location: North Uist, Carinish, Cnoc Cuidhein [Knockquien]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[Seanfhacal 9]: An rud a dh’fhalbh, cha ’n e dh’fhòghnas.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[seanfhacal]: “An seanfhacal gu fada fior, cha bhreugaichear an seanfhacal.”
Location: South Uist, Lochcarnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[seargadh]: Tha an duine a’ seargadh air falbh. Tha man is fading away.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[seas]: Sheas iad aige. Thug am ministear, bho an chùbaid, an latha-sa latha-dubh air aon de an choimhthional aige. Bha dithis mac móra aig an duine a làthair anns an eaglais. A cheart cho luath agus a thàinig an sluagh a mach, an dithis fhear a bha seo sheas iad aig a’ mhinistear.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[seas]: Seas an coir. Maintain their right.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[seas]: Seasaidh mi thu an coir san eucoir. I shall support you right or wrong.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[seasamh]: Anns an t-seasamh. – Standing where I am, or where he, she or it, is.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[seasgach]: Tha i air an t-seasgach – she’s dried up.
Origin: [Barra]
Category: Crodh / Cattle
[seisean]: Cuir air an t-seisein. Summon before the church session.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[set]: “O, nach cianail an set iad!”
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[seòl]: all parts of the boat were referred to in Gaelic but parts of the sail were known only in English, e.g. an tac – the tack of the sail; a’ sheet – the sheet of the sail; hailleard – the halyard.
Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[seòl]: An seòrsa sheòl a bhiodh againn air na soithichean:

Origin: Leodhas [Lewis], Uig
Category: Cur-seachadan: Dèideagan, Geamaichean is Farpaisean / Recreation: Toys, Games, Contests
[seòl]: Is ann airson nach tigeadh orra a bhith toirt mu’n cuairt an t-sùil nuair a bhiodh iad a’ tacadh, a bhiodh iad ’g a chur an cùl an tobhta. Ach cha deadh an t-eathar cho cruaidh air a’ ghaoith idir leis an t-seòl an cùl na tobhta, ’s a dheadh i leis an t-seòl ’san dòigh àbhaistich. Agus cha shaoilinn gu’m biodh an crann glé riaraichte, a bharrachd. An seòl bac air a’ chrann, bha thu cur an eathair chun an taca eile gun an seòl a leagail ’s a thoirt mu’n cuairt. Cha robh seo fàbharach do an chrann idir, saoilidh mise, agus gun taca na hàilleard aige. Is ann nuair nach biodh a’ ghaoth glé làidir a bhithist a’ cleachdadh na dòigh-sa, agus airson tacannan goirid. An seòl an cul na tobhta: [see illustration]. An seòl ’s an dòigh àbhaistich: [see illustration]. An seòl bac air a’ chrann: [see illustration].

Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[seòl]: Air an t-seol sin. At that rate.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[seòlta]: Cho seòlta ris an t-sionnach.
Origin: [North Uist?]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[sgaitse]: ’Se sgaitse a chanadh na bodaich ris an àite bha aca air a dhèanamh airson sàbhadh leis an t-sabh-mhór [q.v.].
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[sgearrach]: Thug e sgearrach an duine-dhuibh dha. – He gave him a good telling-off. (Is ann a nuas bho thaobh na Hearradh a thainig ‘sgearrach’, tha mi an dùil.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[sgiallt]: Dè bu sgiallt – an expression meaning what was the cause, reason.
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[Sgiobair]: Bidh an sgiobair anns an deireadh a’ togail nan lion agus a’ toirt ordughan don dithis air an ràmh.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
[sgluis]: Tha againn ann an Leòdhas ‘sgluis’ airson tè de’n t-seòrsa-sa [i.e. sgliùrach – word suggested in the questionnaire – ‘an untidy housewife’.]
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Nàdur an Duine / Personality
[sgoladh]: An t-uisge a sgoladh. Water filtering.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[sgolb]: “Cha robh dùil ’am gu’m biodh sgrath no sgolb de an tigh air lorg, anns a’ ghaoith mhóir.”
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[sgrath]: “Cha robh dùil ’am gu’m biodh sgrath no sgolb de an tigh air lorg, anns a’ ghaoith mhóir.”
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[sgrìob]: Sgriob an t-saibh mhoir. A stroke of the big saw.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[sguab]: Sguab an t-úrlar. – Sweep the floor.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[sguab]: “Rinn e cleas na sguaba orra.” – Sguab e an làr leotha, ann an sabaid. Chuala mi bodach uair ag radh agus sabaid mhór cheàrdaichean air a bhith ann an Steòrnabhagh, “Mac Bob Newland”, arsa esan, “rinn e cleas na sguaba orra.”
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[sgàthan]: Is math an sgàthan sùil caraide.
Location: South Uist, Lochcarnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[sgéidean]: “An sgéidean aodaich a th’orra.” – Mar gu’n canadh tu air boirionnaich, the flimsy clothes they wear.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[sgìos]: Cia mar an sgios e. What a weariness of the flesh it is. [NOTE in second hand: not proper Gaelic (and mar corrected to mór).]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[sgìthean]: Gus an robh e seachd sgìthean dheth. – Till he was sick tired of him.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[similear (E)]: Nuair a chaidh an teine a thoirt air falbh bho mheadhon an làir b’e seo an seòrsa àite-teine a thòisicheadh a’ deanamh. As déidh seo thòisicheadh a’ deanamh similear le sgeilpe.

Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
[siol-ghainmheach / sìol-ghainmheach]: Chunnaic mi am prògram “A Boy in Harris” air an T.V. an oidhche roimhe, agus chòrd e rium. (…) Ach a nise gu aon nì anns a’ phrògram do’n d’thug mi an aire – marbhadh nan siol, no glacadh nan siol (an t-siol-ghainmheach mar a chanas sinn) leis a’ chorran anns an tràigh. Obh, obh is iomadh ceud a ghlac an làmh a tha sgrìobhadh na litreach-sa. Anns an Fhadhail Mhóir aig Crabhlastadh, an Sgìr Uige againn fhìn, ann an Leòdhas. Am boirionnach Hearach a’ sgrìobadh leis a’ chorran anns an tràigh (air an tràigh thioraim). Chuala mi iad a’ deanamh nì de’n t-seòrsa-sa a ghlacadh na sìl air Na Ceithir Peighinn Deug an ceann shìos na Sgìre againn fhìn (Uig Leòdhais) a’ sgrìobadh le croman, no le hoe, air an tràigh thioraim. Cha’n fhaca mi a leithid shuas againn fhìn a riamh. Nì ach an corran anns an fhadhail. Bha an corran shìol air a dheanamh de’n chorran mhór. Bha an gob far an robh e dol na bu doimhne na bhith réidh ris an làimh, air a ghearradh dheth, agus am faobhar air a mhadadh gus nach gearradh e na sìolan mar a ghlacaist iad. Bhiodh cuid a’ toirt seòrsa de dh’fhiaclan anns a’ chorran shìol. Chunnaic mi a dhà dhiubh seo (corrain shiol) nuair a bha mi shuas aig an tigh air an t-samhradh-sa fhéin. Bidh cuimhne agaibh gu robh corran eile aig na bodaich: corran-speal. Bha e mar seo: [see third illustration below]. Is e arm eagalach a bha seo. Bha cùl air an iarunn aige mar air iarunn na speala agus bhiodh sibh ga ghleusadh le cloich-speal. Bha e mór seach corran cumanta. Seo a nise mar a bhithist a’ glacadh nan sìol leis a’ chorran-shiol anns an Fhadhail Mhóir shuas aig Crabhlastadh, ann an Uig Leòdhais. A’ tòiseachadh ann an seo [i.e. àite tòiseachaidh in the illustration] agus a’ gabhail air aghaidh. Bha peile-mór ceangailte le sreing ri do mheadhon. Peile-mór a’ cheàird no peile suinc. No peile-caol a’ cheàird (chan eil easan a’ dol an diugh idir). Bha thu a’ tòiseachadh na sgrìoba mar bu trice thugad. An uair sin a’ tionndadh a’ chorrain agus a’ toirt na sgrìoba bhuat. Mar sin a’ gabhail air d’adhart gu’n tachradh sìol riut. No beathach beag neimheil eile. Biast na Fadhlach, mar a chanas fear Chrabhlastaidh rithe. Iasg beag airgiodach ann an dath ’s an sgeilm, agus gathan neimheil innte. An stangaran a tha mi an dùil a chanas an Hearach rithe. (Ri siol air leth mór canaidh sinne an Uig gobag rithe. Dé a chanas an Hearach chan eil fhios agam.) Ma bhios tu airson cuideachadh air glacadh nan siol a shealltuinn uair sam bith, cha dean e deifir foighneachd mu an chùis do Mhurchadh. Bha Murchadh ris an obair sin mu na siolan bho bha e òg ’s a’ dol do an sgoil gus an a dh’fhàs e ’na dhuine agus a’ dol leis an lìon-bheag. (Siol as fheàrr airson cnòdan, agus là grianach nach bi ro fhuar. Is e luga as fheàrr airson na h-adaige. Sin gliocas agus léirsinn nam bodach a bha sean nuair a bha Murchadh òg.) Cha chanainn gu bheil móran lìon-bhig ’ga dheanamh ri cladaichean na Hearadh an diugh. Is e glé bheag dheth a tha ri cladaichean Uige an diugh mar an ceudna. Tha sabhs air na siolan air leth math, cuideachd. Agus tha iad air leth blasda mar bhiadh, agus air leth tacmhor. Cha tig acras air duine air luathair [?] as déidh feed de na siolan. A thaobh sealladh air lìonmhorachd, cha chreid mi nach e sealladh air an t-sil-ghainmhich anns a’ bhàgh againn fhín (Camus Uige) a dhleasas a’ cheud àite. Cia mheud mìle, no cia mheud muillion dhiubh seo a bh’ann? Agus faoileag is biorach air am muin [?], as an déidh, gu’n robh iad a’ leum ’nan sgaothan as an uisge, airson teàrnaidh, ged nach bu mhór an ciall. Bha dùil ’am gu robh bleideagan an t-sneachda ann an lìonmhorachd gu leòir. Bha dùil agam sin, gus an siod. Is iomadh rud a chì am fear a bhios air an dùthaich nach fhaic fear a’ chabhsair luim! Dà nì a chunnaic mi-fhín le mo shùilean aig sìol ’ga dheanamh: Chunnaic mi siol (te mhath mhór) a’ snàmh cho neo-lochdach, ma b’fhior, am measg cliath de chudaigean òga (siol chudaig) agus an uair a b’fheàrr ’s a b’fheàrr a bhiodh na creutaran bochda, bheireadh i tè as agus dh’itheadh i i. A rithist, uair eile, chunnaic mi sìol a’ gabhail na h-ite a bhiodh againn ag iola (fly-fishing). Sin agad ma tha na rudan a chì duine nuair a bhios e muigh, agus a shùilean fosgailte.
Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[siola-na-h-easgainn]: Note: ‘siola-na-h-easgainn’ as mentioned towards a cure for rheumatics. May I again note that any species of an eel was considered appropriate, generally the conger eel when the spawning part was prepared as a plaster aid. Medicinally, herbal remedies was [sic] a recommendation in some cases.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[siolp]: Gheàrr e mu’n t-siolp e. Bha Donnchadh a’ cur an àirde bùth (tent) aig an fhéill, a’ dol a thòiseachadh a’ creic deoch-làidir. Agus sin gun òrdugh laghail. Có a nochd ach am polas. Cha deacha an obair aig Donnchadh na b’fhaide air adhart, gheàrr e mu’n t-siolp e.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[siorruidheachd]: Anns an t-Siorruidheachd. “Dh’aithnichinn Calum agus Tormod agus Eighrig agus Coinneach. Ach c’àit am bheil Tormod?” “Thà anns an t-Siorruidheachd.” (At his rest, marbh.)
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[siosar]: Siosar a’ cheàird. – Airson gearradh na tuna (tin). Siosar a’ ghiomaich. – An ìne gheur aig a’ ghiomach. Na h-ìnean móra aig a’ ghiomach, tha an dàrna tè dhiubh maol agus an tè eile geur. Agus chan ann air an aon taobh a tha iad an còmhnuidh. An siosar uaireannan clì agus uaireannan eile deas.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[sitig]: “Cha b’fiach e fhaighneachd as an t-sitig.” – an ill regarded fellow.
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[sitig]: Nuair a thig nas fhearr gheibh an tràill an t-sitig. When important visitors come, the man of the house recedes in stature in the eyes of his family.
Location: South Uist, Lochcarnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[sitrich]: Tha an làir a sitrich. – The mare is neighing.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[siubhail]: Shiubhail an t-saighead. The arrow flew.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[siubhal]: Air an t-siubhal so. On this trip.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[siùnach]: An siùnach ud. – Cha b’ann a’ smaoineachadh ann an deagh bheachd air a bhitheadh sibh nuair a chanadh sibh seo mu fhear. That bloke. That fellow. That… Cha chanadh sibh ‘an siùnach ud’ mu dhuine a bhiodh sibh gu math suas ris, agus a’ saoilsinn tòrr dheth.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[skin]: Note: 1 The white of an egg mixed with oatmeal served as
an ointment towards the removal of pimples, as a beautifying remedy. Likely still used, also
as a skin purifier, skin ointment. 2. Same used with flour to soothe the skin if the skin
showed signs of parchment.
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Blàthan-Leighis / Medicinal Plants
[Skye custom]: In Skye, whenever a friend called to see the remains, he, or she, reverently laid the right hand on the forehead of the corpse. When I enquired into the origin or reason for this custom I was assured that laying one’s hand on the dead banished from his mind ever afterwards the fear of meeting the departed’s ghost an prevented the vision of the dead person from haunting the mind.
Origin: Skye
Category: Bàs is Adhlacadh / Death and Burial
[slachdadh]: Fhuair iad slachdadh aig an sgoil. – They got a beating at school.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[slaisneach]: An gath-droma agus na taobhain, chanadh iad an t-slaisneach riutha seo. “Dé mar tha dol dhuit le na cléibh?” “Tha mi air an t-slaisneach a chur orra.”
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
[slat]: Fhad’s a bhios slàt ’sa choill bi an fhoill ’sa Chaimbeulach.
Location: South Uist, Lochcarnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[sleamhuinn]: Cho sleamhuinn ris an easgainn.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[sleamhuinn]: Cho sleamhuinn ris an easgainn.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[sleamhuinn]: “Sleamhuinn an greim air an easguinn an t-earball.” A saying which means that a boy/man who has been jilted will always find another girl.
Location: South Uist, Peninerine
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[sleamhuinn]: “Sleamhuinn a’ chlach a tha an ursainn an doruis an tàighe [sic] mhóir.” No matter how well you get on with your employer there is still a risk of being sacked.
Location: South Uist, South Boisdale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[sliasaid]: sliasaid chumail ris am muir – cul (bioran [?] a bha tighinn as an deidh).
Location: [Harris], Leverburgh
Category: Togail Bhàtaichean / Boat-Building
[slige]: A’ deanamh an airgid mar na sligean. “Tha Donnchadh a’ deanamh an airgid mar na sligean anns a’ bhùth ud a [sic] aige.”
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[sliochd]: “Fàsaidh sibh mar an luachair / Is crionaidh sibh mar an raineach, / Is thig sliochd eile ’nur n’àite / Is thig crioch air sliochd na mollachd.” I don’t know what place this refers to – I consider that ‘mollachd’ must be wrong: it is a very strong word.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[sliochd]: Fàsaidh sibh mar an luachair is crionaidh sibh mar an raineach / Thig sliochd eile ’nar n’àite s thig crioch air sliochd na mollachd.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[sloc an airich]: [See an àrc.]
Location: South Uist, Lochcarnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[sluagh]: Againne ann an Uig an Iar ’s e ‘an sluagh’ a chanas iad ri na daoine air a thighinn a mach as an t-searmoin, aig an eaglais.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[sluagh]: Fhuair e air ais deagh run an t-sluaigh. He regained his popularity.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[slugan na muilne]: 5. SLUGAN na MUILNE; DORUS an UISG’ far am bheil an t-amar fiodha ag gabhail an uisge as an DAMM agus g’a threorachadh direach gu LIAGHAN an ROTH.
Location: [Lewis], Leurbost
Category: Muileann Lochlannach / Norse Mill
[sluichd]: 13. Ann an oisean na SLUICHD, taobh nan clach bha toll duint le sop. Nuair a bhitis an amhrus gun robh a’ mhuileann a’ call an t-sil, chuireadh am muillear a ghairdean troimh ’n toll a’ dh’fhiachainn ceann an ROTH. Mur an robh air ceann an ROTH ach dudan bha a chuis ceart, ach ma bha gran air ceann an ROTH bha a’ mhuilean am feum air a CUBADH.
Location: [Lewis], Leurbost
Category: Muileann Lochlannach / Norse Mill
[slàinte]: Mean air mhean thig an t-slàinte ach na tonnan mór an euslaint.
Location: North Uist, Sollas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[smid]: Gun smid tha ceann an eolais. Silence is the foundation of knowledge. [NOTE in second hand: Silent is the head which has knowledge.]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[smior]: Smior an t-sil. Best of seed.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[smèid]: Smèid e orm tighinn far an robh e. – He signalled to me to come to him.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[smòraigeadh]: “Tha iad a’ smòraigeadh an tighe as déidh na griùthraich” (‘griùlach’ ann an Leòdhas). – fumigating the house.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[smùidean]: Tha smùidean fhein an ceann gach fòid.
Location: South Uist, Lochcarnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[snaig]: Cuir an t-snaig air an dorus. Sneck the door.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[snaim]: Snaim a’ bhanna, a bhreabadair, an fhigheadair, an t-seoladair. Reef knot.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[snaim]: Snaim calpa an dul. Half hitch or loop. (Bowline or light.)
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[snaoisean]: An snaoisean a ghabh e. – The huff he took.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[sneachda]: “Chuir e àirde nan crann de an t-sneachda troimh an oidhche.”
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[snechd]: Airson a chumail duinte, se snechd a theireadh sinn ris a bhioran fiodha bha airson a dhunadh. Bha e (an snechd) air a shocrachadh air cul an doruis agus air chumail an aite far an ruigeadh srang air. Bha an t-srang air a cur troimh tholl beag anns an dorus far a togadh duine an t-snechd le tarruinn air an t-srang. (The snechd was secured on a swivel on the back of the door, and rested on a crutch on the door post when closed.)
Origin: [Harris? – cf. ‘Taigh Croitear anns na Hearadh – an taigh anns an do rugadh mi.’]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
[snàth]: Bha e riabh a’ cumail an t-snàth lìn ’s an t-snathad dhomh. Applied to someone who had always kept you in employment.
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[snàthla]: “’S fhada snàthla a sniomhas bò.” An expression which says that a cow covers a lot of ground in a day.
Location: South Uist, Stoneybridge
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[snìomh]: Shniomh e an ceann dheth. He twisted the head off it.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[socair]: Se an t-socair a thug orm a dheanamh. Sheer simplicity made me do it. [NOTE in second hand: socair corrected to sochair.]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[sochag]: I have a note of the words I have sent you from time to time and as far as I can see I have not sent you ‘sochag’. I heard it this summer in Laggan and it seems that it means a plant which grows in wet ground, the willow. However, another old native of Laggan says he thinks ‘sochag’ is the name given to the leaf of the berries (somewhat similar to cranberries) growing beside burns. In his “Church and Social Life in the Highlands” A. Macpherson (a native of Kingussie district) quotes the verse (p. 19) describing the hills in that district which includes the lines: “Chan fhàs fiar no fodar ann / Ach sochagan is dearcagan allt.” He does not give a translation of ‘sochag’ but I seem to remember having seen this verse somewhere with an English translation. I wonder if you have been given this word from any other source?
Location: Inverness
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[soirbheas]: La an t-soirbhias [sic]. The day of prosperity.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[soitheach]: Cha ghabh an soitheach ach a làn.
Location: South Uist, Lochcarnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[solas]: Rud a bhios anns a’ chùil thig e dh’ionnsuidh an t-soluis.
Location: South Uist, Lochcarnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[solus]: An solus so chaidh. Last moon.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[solus]: Atharrachadh (muthadh) an t-soluis. Phase of the moon.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[sona]: Cho sona ri bó ann an loch.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[sona]: “Nach e tha sona dheth.” – bha e seo againn. Tha againn: “Cho sona ri bó ann an loch.” “Cho sona ’s a tha an là cho fada.” [SLIP: no definition.]
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Nàdur an Duine / Personality
[sonas]: Sonas an lorg an caitheimh. Luck follows liberality. [NOTE in second hand: an caitheimh corrected to na caitheimh.]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[song]: A song my mother used to sing: “Latha dhomhsa ’s mi na’m ònar / Dol troimh ’n choill ’s mi siubhal mòna / Thachair orms a ghruagach bhoidheach / Rinn mi comhradh rith ’s greis anail.” Refrain “Thug sibh air nighean donn nam meall-shuil / ’S trom mo cheum an deigh do gheallaidh / Thug sibh air nighean donn nam meall shuil.”
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[sparr]: Am mac air an sparr an t-athair gun bhreith. Counting chickness [sic] before they are hatched. [NOTE in second hand: Is this not a riddle? See Nic.]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[spatadh]: Tha mi air mo spatadh leis an fhuachd. – I am perishing with the cold.
Location: Killearnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[speal]: An t-iaruinn. Gaidh. Na h-òrdagan. An crann (snathe). American snathe (below) used. Previously Scots snathe used (forked type)
Origin: Tiree
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
[speur]: Ma tha speur dearg san fheasgair tha comharradh an t-sìde mhath.
Origin: Mull, Tobermory
Category: Sìde / Weather
[spiol]: An spiol thu cnaimh? – Will you pick a bone?
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[spioladh]: Ma spiullas tu an dosgaidh, spiullaidh an dosgaidh thu. Thought it was improper to shear a dead sheep; indeed this was thought to increase the chances of this happening to you again, i.e. you would lose more of your stock.
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[spionadh]: Tha e spionadh an t-sneachda. – the beginning of a snow-storm.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[spàr]: Spàr connadh air an teine. – Throw firewood on the fire.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[spàrr bheag]: The old felt-roofed houses of Tiree also had a flatly rounded ridge, made by connecting the couples by means of a piece of wood known as ‘an spàrr bheag’.
Location: [Tiree, Scarinish]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
[spùtach]: “Ruithidh a’ chaora spùtach leis an leathad.” – Sean-fhacal.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[spɑilʹəx ɑ̃ŋɡǝð]: [?] Notes: an obstacle.
Origin: Barra
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[sraoin ?]: “Cha deacha a riamh le fear na ceud sraoine.” Bha dol gu math le Hitler (agus le feadhainn eile de a sheòrsa) an toiseach, ach cha deacha a riamh le fear na ceud sraoine. – Facal.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[sreath]: An da shreath. In two ranks.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[sruth]: “Each dubh ’s each donn / Bonn ri bonn / Cha bheir an dubh air an donn / ’S cha bheir an donn air an dubh.” Tòimhseachan tha seo. Sruth, aibhne, no a leithid sin, tha mi an dùil.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[sròn]: Sròn dubh an t-sithein.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[staid]: Ann an stait [sic] gu lan tearuinte. In excellent preservation.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[stamag]: [Stamag caorach/bà] Uill, ma tha, fhuair mi air adhart math gu leòir a muigh aig an ospadal ’s a’ phàirce goirid as deidh dhomh bhur litrichean fhaighinn. Bha mi a muigh dà uair agus fhuair mi na daoine mar a sheòl sibh dhomh. Ach chaill mi an duine mór fhein, am profeasar, dìreach le a dhà-no-trì mhionaidean a’ cheud là bha mi a muigh. Bha sin a cheart cho math, gus nach cuirinn dragh air airson rud cho beag. Ach fhuair mi Murphy agus chunnaic mi mionach caorach fosgailte. Agus thug Murphy a mach leabhar mór as a’ chùl. Sin, ma tha, mar a bha ’s a’ phàirce. Ach a thuilleadh air a sin, chaidh mi sìos air mo cheann fhìn chun an tigh-mharbhaidh air a’ Ghallowgate agus chunnaic mi mionach bà fosgailte ann an sin. Agus rinn mi cinnteach mu an nì a bha mi a’ lorg – an ceap. (…) ’S iongantach mur am faod sinn an ceap a chur mar seo an “ceap”. ’Se am broilein a bhiodh ann, agus bha an ceap air airson e bhith coltach ri ceap (bhiodh e cruaidh, làn, – dìreach ’na cheap – an còmhnuidh). Rud eile: an psalterium. Cha robh psalterium ’s an leabhar mhór aig Mgr. Murphy idir. ’Se seo, tha mi a’ tuigsinn, ainm eile airson omasum. (Seallaibh an àirde ’s na faclairean, mar a nì sibh.) A h-uile càil a th’ann feuchaibh mar seo iad: A’ mhaodal-mhór – dorsal sac of rumen. A’ mhaodal-bheag – ventral sac of rumen. An luamha – reticulum. Am broilein – omasum (psalterium). ’S mar a tha mi a’ togail “an ceap”. Abomasum – chan eil ainm sam bith agam do an seo. Nach bochd nach robh an t-seann fheadhainn beò gus an deadh sinn far am bitheadh iad airson a bhith ceart da-rìribh! Currac-an-rìgh – mur a h-eil mi ceàrr, ’s ann anns an luamha a bha seo: pàirt de an luamha. Is e an aon stamag a th’anns a h-uile càil a th’ann ach gu bheil i ’na h-earrannan.
Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[stamagan]: (Fàgaidh sinn na stamagan mar seo an dràsda gu faigh sinn air an cur ceart, mar a tha iad againne.)
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Crodh / Cattle
[steall]: Bhuail sinn pliu’ an acair air a bial, ’s chitheadh tu e a’ falbh na steall anns a cholbh-bianain. – the striking of anchor on boat’s rail, forward at the bow, to cause herring to ‘show’ in the phosphorescence.
Location: [Harris], Scalpay
Category: Iasgach an Sgadain / Herring-Fishing
[stilean]: “Thàinig droch stilean anns an làir aig Murchadh aig an t-saibheir.” – Deamhnachd agus mìothlachd a rithist.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[strathair]: An strathair an àite na diollaid – when a young wife had moved into a croft replacing her spouse’s mother this would be said to indicate the inexperience and inadequacies of the young wife.
Location: North Uist, Tigharry
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[stòlda]: Bodach stòlda – for a child who talks like an adult. Cailleach stòlda – for a girl who talks like an adult.
Origin: Barra
Category: Nàdur an Duine / Personality
[suainn]: Bha mi ’nam shuainn. – I was sound asleep. (an expression with a most beautiful sound)
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[suidheachadh]: A’ cuir bainne ann an suidheachadh – putting the milk into large buckets or wide rimmed basins so as to obtain as much cream as possible for cheese-making.
Location: South Uist, Iochdar
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[suidhichte]: Air an la shuidhichte. On the appointed day.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[suim]: Is mor an t-suim air an do cheannaich mi an t-saorsa so. I paid a great price for this freedom.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[sàbhaladh]: Is mor an sabhaladh sin. That is a great retrenchment.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[sàil]: An t-sàil dheiridh. An t-sàil bhrollaich. Cross beams at both ends of a cart.
Location: North Uist, Iollaraigh [Illeray]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[sàile]: Tha i togail an t-sàile.
Origin: [Barra]
Category: Sìde / Weather
[sàs]: Chaidh e ’n sas. He stuck fast. Tha chasan an sas.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[sàs]: Chaidh an t-snathad an sas ’nam chois. The needle pierced my foot.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[sàsaichte]: Dh’ith iad gus an robh iad sàsaichte. – They ate till they were satisfied.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[séib]: ’Se séib, no seub, eagalach a th’innte. – She’s a terrible bother. Boirionnach ann an àite, no a’ tighinn do dh’àite, a bhios a’ còmhradh ’s a’ toirt ro fhada, ’s a falbh ’s a’ toirt ro fhada, ’s a cur ’s a’ tabhairt dhaoine eile ’n a lùib. Parsalan aice an siod ’s an seo, ’s chan fhaighear air an cruinneachadh ann an tìde, ’s cha bhith i-fhéin ann an tìde, ’s thig air móran dhaoine nithean beag no mór a dhèanamh mu’s fhaighear an séib ceart, no air falbh, etc. etc.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[séid]: Nach ann air a tha an t-seid. The fellow is puffed up with good living.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[sìde]: “Sìde iomlanach, cha bhith [sic] i uair sam bith air an aon ròdh.” – a saying used in changeable weather conditions.
Location: Barra, Northbay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[sìol]: Sioll na mearleach a shean, o shean. When something is passed on in families, in this case an unworthy distinction. [NOTES: ‘sioll’ corrected to ‘sìol’.]
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[sìol]: An t-sìol-ghainbheach – sand eel. An t-sìol-sgadain – white bait. Chanadh iad seo airson eadar-dhealachadh a chur eadar na dhà.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[sìolachd]: Tha an t-sìolachd oirre. (làir) – a mare, in heat.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[sìoladh-fala]: “Tha sìoladh-fala ann cho brèagha ’s a chunna tu ann an duine a riamh.” – Dreach ’n a aodann cho brèagha – sìoladh fala. Agus craicionn brèagha còmhla ris a sin.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[sìoman]: “Deireadh nan ceannaichean a dhol a shnìomh an t-sìomain.”
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[sìon]: A’ dol an aghaidh an t-sion. On the teeth of the blast.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[sìon]: An sion ’na chulthaobh. The blast behind me.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[sìos]: “Tha e sìos (’s an inntinn).” “Tha e fada sìos ’s an inntinn.” – depressed.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Nàdur an Duine / Personality
[sùgh]: “Cha b’ioghnadh ged a bhiodh sùgh ’n an cnàimh.” – Mar na Koréanaich ag ithe (no ag òl) uighean amha eadar na bidh eile.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[sùgh]: Eodar an t-sugh is an t-slat. Between the devil and the deep sea. [NOTE in second hand: Eodar corrected to Eadar.]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[sùgradh]: Cha n’eil an sugradh a chuir ris. It is no joke to manage him. [NOTE in second hand: Cha n’e an sugradh a cur ris.]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[sùgradh]: Chan e an sugradh a chuir ris. It is no joke to manage him. [NOTE in second hand: a chuir corrected to cur.]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[sùil]: Tha mo shùil ann. – to us [it] meant “I fancy it”. [NOTES: the authors of the questionnaire give this phrase as an example with the meaning ‘I want it’.]
Category: Faireachdain / Senses
[sùil]: Tha iad coma fhad’s a sheachnas e an t-sùil. This would be said of thieves.
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[sùil]: “Cha robh dùil agam gu’m faiceadh mo shùil an latha.” – I thought I wouldn’t survive (through the night) to see daylight).
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[sùil]: “Chan eil sùil thuraidh ann.” – Tha an t-uisge dol gu math. Chan eil turadh idir, idir ann. No càil de a choltas. Turadh: Chan e ‘turadh’ a chanas sinn idir ach ‘turadh’ air a fhuaimneachadh mar ‘taoradh’ air a chantuinn aithghearr.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[sùil]: An ni a chuir iad ri an suil. The thing they had definitely decided to do.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[sùithe?]: “Cha do leag thu na seachd sùitheannan còmhla rithe.” “’Se creutar gun mhìothlachd a th’ann an Iseabail Dhonn.” Freagairt: “Cha do leag thu na seachd sùitheannan còmhla rithe.”
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[sɡɤɫan]: creel.
Origin: Kill-Fhinn
Category: Crodh / Cattle
[taic]: An taic a cheile. In contact. In collision.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[taic]: An taic ri bliadhna. Approximately a year.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[taigh]: An tigh: na ballachan, na h’uinneagan, an dorus mór, an dorus cùil, làmh an doruis, iuchair, earneis (furniture), snidheachan, bòrd (table).
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[taigh]: An tigh: mullach an taighe, an simileir, an dorus mór, an dorus cùil, làmh an doruis, an iuchair, èarneis, a chlach-steidhe, bith an doruis, ursainn, coire siuga.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[taigh]: An uair a theid thu do’n taigh leun, na iarr a bhith aig amailt na pairti.
Location: South Uist, South Lochboisdale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[taing]: “Chan eil mi ’na taing.” ’S iongantach mur a h-eil i seo anns a [sic] [h-uile?] h-àit. Co dhiù: Tormod ri Dòmhnull: “Bheir am bodach mor dhuit an nighean aige airson an rud math a nì thu ris.” Dòmhnull: “Chan eil mi ’na taing.” (Tha t’éile aige no tha gu leòir eile aige.)
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[taisead]: A’ dol an taisead. Getting softer and more delicate.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[taisg]: Ni sam bith a th’n taisg. Anything hoarded up. [NOTE in second hand: th’n corrected to tha an.]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[talamh]: “Ged a dh’ithinn an talamh ’s an t-adhar chan fhaighinn e.” – Mu rud air chall.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[taobh]: Taobh an fhuaraidh. Weather side.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[taobh]: Air an taobh leis. On the lee side.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[taobh]: An taobh cuil (beoil). Back (front).
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[tarraing]: Tha an t-am agam bhi tarruing. Time to be moving.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[tarraing]: Cuir tarruing air. Put an extracting plaster on it.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[Te Ruadh Mhic Mhuirich]: Mac Mhuirich in Uist asked his red haired daughter to demand of him her dowry and Te Ruadh Mhic Mhuirich requested: “Seicein, Meicein m’ aghan meadhrach / Bo dhubh, bo dhonn, bo chrom riabhach / Sliochd na h-aona bà maoile ruadha / Nach do dh’fhàg a bhuaile riamh na h-aonar / Agus an tarbh mogach, donn.” – the lot.
Origin: Barra
Category: Crodh / Cattle
[teachd]: Is iomadh rud a thachaireas an teachd mu’n cuairt na bliadhna. Much may happen before the expiry of a year.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[teachd]: An teachd mi ann. Can it contain me?
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[teachd]: An teachd e ’san leapaidh? Has he room in the bed?
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[teagasg]: Tha ’n teagasg, thar cheann chum math an t-sluaigh. The teaching, speaking broadly is for the public good.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[teallach]: Leac an teallaich. Hearth stone.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[teanga]: “A’ snaim a cheanglas an teanga ’s nach fhuasgail na fiaclan.” Am pòsadh.
Location: North Uist, Grimsay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[teann]: Teann as an rathad. Out of the way.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[teas]: “Bha iad ann an teas buain na mòna.”
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[teas]: Teas (no airde) an latha. The heat of the day.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[teasach]: “Bha e an àirde na teasaich roimh an mheadhon oidhche.” – He was feverishly sick before midnight.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[teine]: An taca an teine. – At the fireside. By the fireside.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[teine]: As an teine do an ghrìosaich. – Out of the frying-pan into the fire.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[teine]: Chaisgeadh an teine. The fire was quenched.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[teine]: Bheil an teine beothachadh (gabhail). An do bheothaich (air do ghabh) an teine? Has the fire kindled?
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[teine]: ’S fhearr an teine beag a dh’fhairaidheas tu na an teine mór a loisgeas tu. [NOTES: note added above ‘dh’fhairaidheas’ – gharas.]
Location: South Uist, Lochcarnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[teircead]: Dol an teircead. Getting scarcer.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[teirig]: Theirig an sgeul. The story finished.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[teirig]: Gus an teirig an la. Until the day ends.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[teud chleasachd]: The e teom air teud chleasachd. He is an expert on the tight rope.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[teàrr]: Cho dubh ris an teàrr. – Oidhche dhorch. Tha e mar an teàrr (an oidhche).
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[thuice]: A’ dol thuice. – A’ dol a shealltainn air a’ mhaighdinn, ann an suirghe Caithris na h-Oidhche. (Bundling [?] style)
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[Tigh Bhurns]: Tigh Bhurns an Alloway (Allamhaigh):

Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
[tigh Gàidhealach]: Bheirinn fo ur comhair seann tigh Gàidhealach a chumail fo ur beachd. Agus na bh’anns an tigh agus a mach bho an tigh. Seann tigh Gàidhealach thubhairt mi. Seann tigh Albannach a bhiodh ceart. ’Se seann Alba a bh’anns a’ Ghàidhealtachd. Thuirt an seanalair Iain Hamaltan air a’ Wireless anns na 30-an agus e a’ bruidhinn mu an Ghàidhealtachd, agus air na h-eileanan, “holding the essence of primitive Scotland”. Dh’fhaodadh sibh an tigh a roinn na thrì pàirtean. Bha againne: uachdar an tighe; (faic cùlaist) aig an teine; air feadh an tighe. Agus an sabhal. Agus smaite tighean beaga a thuilleadh air an sin.
Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[tigh-aire]: In my childhood, Lochaber, i.e. the Braes of Lochaber, was 95% Catholic. When a death occurred in a house, people flocked to pay their respects and remained to pray. It was customary to lay one’s hand on the forehead of the dead for a moment (the head was normally covered by the sheet but the sheet was turned down momentarily to allow the hand to be laid on the forehead). People took it in turn to remain in the room “’s an tigh-aire” where prayers and litanies were said night and day till the day of the funeral – food was provided for people. On the day of the funeral, the coffin was carried shoulder-high on a bier for the few miles to Cill-a-Chaorail. The ancient church of St. Cyril of Alexandria has been restored of recent times and I understand the burial-service is held there now. [NOTES: the following comment copied from the letter dated 24/03/1977:] In my remarks about funeral practices in a previous letter, I had intended to mention the custom of building cairns. I have understood that when the mourners stopped for a rest and possibly refreshment, each man looked around for a sizeable stone and a cairn was built and was called the deceased’s cairn. With the widening of the roads, I fear the cairns have disappeared on the main roads.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[tigh-coinneamh]: [meeting-house i.e. a small hall erected by the church in an outlying village.]
Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
[tigh]: B’fhearr leam tigh dubh an t-sléibhe na taigh geal a’ mhachaire
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[tighinn]: Is math a thig an cota ruit [sic]. The coat fits you well. [NOTE in second hand: ruit corrected to dhuit.]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[tilgte]: Tha ceann tilgte air a bhata. The stick has an artificial head.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[tinneas-thuiteamach]: Tha cuimhne agam gu robh aice (aig “Cliomag” [i.e. “a bhanacheard aig Drochaid [?]] – ’s e ise a bha deanamh na bruidhne) leigheas airson an tinneis-thuiteamaich. B’e sin claigionn duine mhairbh a thogail as a’ chladh, agus trì làn a chlaiginn de bhùirn a thoirt air an duine easlainteach òl. (3, 5, no an è 9 a bh’ann, chan eil mi cinnteach. 1937 a bh’ann, tha mi smaoineachadh.)
Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[tiodhlaig]: Tha la so coltach ris an là a thiodhlaig iad an Càirsealach Mór. (a day of high wind and rain from S.W.)
Origin: [North Uist?]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[tioram]: Cho tioram ris an spìon.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[tiota]: Gheibh thu sin ann an tiota. – You’ll get that in a jiffy.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[tiùrr]: Ann an tiùrr an làn. – Ann am beul na mara far am biodh am muir a’ fàgail a h-uile seòrsa nì.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[tobar]: Cha bhi mios air an tobair gus an tràigh e.
Origin: [North Uist?]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[tobhta]: Anns na h-eathraichean uaireigin bha sia tobhtaichean mar a tha gu h-ìosal. Ach chan fhaca mise a riamh an tobhta thoisich ann an gin aca. 1. An tobhta thoisich. 2. Tobhta a’ chroinn. 3. An tobhta bhràghad. 4. An tobhta mheadhon/An tobhta chlèith (Is e ‘an tobhta-mheadhoin’ [sic] a bh’againn air 4. ach bha ‘an tobhta chlèith’ oirre ann an àiteachan.) 5. An tobhta amarra. 6. An tobhta dheiridh.

Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[tobhta]: Ni eile a tha ann an ainmeannan an Uig an Iar, ’se sin tobhta. Mar Tobhta Coinnich, Tobhta Mol Moireig, ’s mar sin.
Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[toch]: Thoch iad an crodh. They have stringed the cattle. [NOTE in second hand: ?]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[togar]: An togar airson airgid. The urge for money.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[toil]: “Toil uile aig na h-uilean ’s an toil uile aig na mnathan.” Women have laws unto themselves!!
Location: South Uist, Stoneybridge
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[toimhseachan]: Duine ag aire ann an taigh. Chaidh e mach as an taigh. Chunnaic e an t-sianar a bha seo a’ dol seachad agus an ceann greis chunnaic e an ath shianar, agus an uairsin chunnaic e an treas sianar agus bha boireannach agus fireannach a’ tighinn comhla as an deidh, agus bhruidhinn am boireannach agus dh’fhaighneachd i dha dè a chunnaic e bho’n a bha e a muigh, agus dh’innis e dhi mar a chunnaic e sianar a’ dol seachad agus an ceann greis chaidh sianar eile agus an uairsin an t-sianar eile chaidh seachad bha i fhein a’ tighinn comhla agus an deidh. Ars ise: A’ chiad shianar, sin sia bràithrean athair [sic] dhomh, agus an ath shianar, sia bràithrean mathair [sic] dhomh agus an t-sianar a chaidh seachad ’s mi fhein comhla riubha ’sin mo shia mhic fhìn, ’s an duine a tha seo na athair dh’an h-uile duin’ aca. ’S dean thusa a mach an toimhseachan. This riddle is taken in the context of this man coming out from a wake. The man appearing with the woman has been married three times. His first wife had a daughter prior to their marriage. When she died he married his second wife who had had a boy prior to this marriage. Thereafter the boy and girl previously mentioned married. Subsequently the man who had been married twice married the daughter of the boy and girl thereby becoming his third wife.
Location: South Uist, Peninerine
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[toimhseachanan]: Agus bhiodh againn toimhseachanan ’s mar sin airson an oibreachadh a mach, mar: 1. Aiseag nan Ceardaichnean. 2. Na Buideil. 3. Muinntir Dhubhain.
Origin: Leodhas [Lewis], Uig
Category: Cur-seachadan: Dèideagan, Geamaichean is Farpaisean / Recreation: Toys, Games, Contests
[toimhseagan]: Fuasgail an toimhseagan. Guess the riddle.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[toinneamh]: Tha an toinneamh air folbh [sic] as a’ ropa. – fraying or frayed rope.
Origin: Tiriodh [Tiree] (Rugadh Daibhidh ann an Glaschu ach chaidh a thogail ann an Tiriodh bho’n a bha e trì bliadhn’ a dh’aois.)
Category: Iasgach a’ Ghiomaich / Lobster-Fishing
[toinnean]: Toinnean fada an tailleir leisg. – The lazy tailor uses a long thread in his needle.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[toinnean]: Toinnean fada an tailleir leisg – a long thread (in the needle) is the sign of a lazy tailor.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[toirt-an-reothaid]: Tha toirt-an-reothaid de Bheurla aige. – Tha aige de Bheurla na nì a chùis dha airson na slighe.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[tom-ghlas]: Tha e anns an tom-ghlas. – Air chall.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[tom]: “Bha i air i-fhéin a shìneadh ris an tom.” – marbh (caora no a leithid sin).
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[tombaca]: Ris an tombaca. In the habit of using Tobacco.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[torc]: Torc fiaclach an fhodraich ’s e g’iarraidh gu Cròideach is a chaoidh cha? ? ? (perhaps “cha ruig e gu bràch e”) I can still hear my father saying this!
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[torman]: Torman an uillt – the bubbling brook.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[trannsa]: Nuair a rachadh tu steach air an dorus am muigh bha thu anns an trannsa. Bha na cuinneagan uisge air an cumail san trannsa. Gach feasgar Sathuirne bha ’n taigh gu leir air a dheagh sguabadh – le sguab fhraoich – agus sadadh math de ghainmhich air a chur air – theirte nuarson gun robh an taigh air a dh’ressaigeadh!
Origin: [Harris? – cf. ‘Taigh Croitear anns na Hearadh – an taigh anns an do rugadh mi.’]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
[treabhadh]: “Bhiodh an t-àm aca stad a’ threabhadh an uair a chìtheadh iad a’ barr buidhe air an t-sealasdair.”
Location: South Uist, South Lochboisdale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[trom]: Cho trom ris an talamh. Cho trom ri na clachan.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[trustar-bhodaich]: Mouth-music: Nam biodh agam trustar-bhodaich / Bhogainn anns an allt e. / Mur biodh e glan ’nuair bhithinn deas / Bhogainn rithis ann e. / Bhogainn e, bhogainn anns an allt / ’S mur biodh e glan ’nuair bhithinn deas bhogainn rithis ann e.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[tràth]: Ann an deagh thrath. In good time.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[tròm]: Cha tròm leis an loch an lach / Cha tròm leis an each an t-srian / Cha tròm leis a’ chaor a h-olann / ’S cha truimide colann ciall.
Location: South Uist, South Lochboisdale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[tròm]: Cha tròm leis an fhiadh a chabar / Cha tròm leis a’ choileach a chìrein / Nì mheasas aon neach mar leathrom / Chì neach eile mar thoil inntinn.
Location: South Uist, South Lochboisdale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[tuagh]: Tha e an run nan tuagh dhomh. He could kill me (i.e. with the Lochaber Axe).
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[tual-fhadan]: “Thàinig mi ’na mo thual-fhadan chun an teine”, arsa am bodach leis an flu. Cha b’ann gu math a bha am bodach idir. (Chan fhaca mi riamh ‘tual-fhadan’ sgrìobhte.)
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[tuasaid]: Nuair a bhitheas an tuasaid so thairis. When the hurly burly is over.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[tughadh]: B’e seo [i.e. connlach, muran, luachair, fraoch] an tughadh.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
[tuille]: Tha so ann thuille na corach (an deigh laimhe). That remains over and above.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[tuiteamachd]: Thig tuiteamachd air an darach. Oaks cast their leaves.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[tàintean]: Bithidh do sgoil na taintean dhuit ri d’bheo. Your education will prove an accomplishment all your life.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[tàiread]: A’ dol an tairead. Becoming more and more contemptible.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[tìr]: Chuireadh tu air tìr an luchd ghloineachan. – Chanadh iad seo nuair a bhiodh am muir air leth sèimh.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[tòn]: “Cha do bhìd thu a thòn.” – Duine a shaoileadh tu nach robh droch nàdur no càil de’n t-seòrsa sin ann, ach nuair a chuireadh tu dràgh air, a bhiodh fhios a chaochlaidh agad, chanadh tu siod mu a dheidhinn nuair a bhiodh tu a bruidhinn mu an chuis. Duine: “’Se duine sèimh, solt, gun ghluasad, gun mhìothlachd a th’ann an Uilleam Chaluim.” An duine eile: “Cha do bhìd thu a thòn.”
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[tòn]: “Thuit an tòn á Purgadair.” Chanadh tu seo nuair a thuiteadh an tòn á baraille no nithean de’n t-seòrsa-sin, soithichean fiodha a b’fheàrr. Cha bhiodh dùil agad ri nì neo-àbhaisteach sam bith tachairt, agus dh’fhalbhadh (thuiteadh) an tòn as an t-soitheach.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[tòrr]: Tòrr arbhair. ’Se ‘tòrr’ a chanas sinne ri a leithid seo: [see illustration]. Bhiodh an t-arbhar an toiseach anns na h-adagan. Dheadh an uair sin a chruinneachadh ann an tòrr. As deidh sin dheadh na torran a chur ann an cruaich.

Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[tòrradh-rodan]: I remember hearing the expression: Bu cheart cho math leam a dhol gu
tòrradh-rodan, when a person was asked to go to a wedding or some entertainment.
‘Tòrradh-rodan’ – unless it was an invented phrase.
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Blàthan-Leighis / Medicinal Plants
[uabhar]: Airson an uabhair. For their pride.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[uachdarachd]: On uachdarachd gus an iochdarachd. From top to bottom.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[uaigh]: Chairich iad ’s an uaigh e. They laid him in the grave.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[uaigneas]: Tha an t-aran a dh’ithear ann uaigneas taitneach. Stolen fruit is sweetest.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[uaill]: Na dean uaill as an la maireach. Boast not of tomorrow.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[uair]: An uair a th’ann. – Ri aimsir air leth dona. Chanadh tu seo aig an dearbh àm a bhiodh è dona. Gaoth is uisge a’ cur sìon as na cnuic ’s as nì sam bith eile a thachradh riutha no tàirneanach is dealanach eagalach. No aimsir eagalach sam bith. “An uair a th’ann”, chanadh tu.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[uair]: Bidh uair a tighinn air fad an la. The day will gain an hour.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[uair]: Air an uair. Presently.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[uaireadair]: “Tobar òir an cùl na beinne, Cùl òir oirr’ ’s beul gloine.” Tòimhseachan. Am freagairt: uaireadair (watch).
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[uan]: (Bidh uan aig an dinneag agus aig a’ chaora.)
Origin: Ross of Mull
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
[uan]: Ged nach biodh agam ach an t-uan ’s ann Diluain a dh’fhalbhainn leis.
Origin: [North Uist?]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[ubh]: Gealagan, buidheagan, na h-uibhe. White and yolk of egg. [NOTE in second hand: na h-uibhe corrected to an uighe.]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[ubhall an sgòrnain]: larynx. Cha chreid mi nach eil ‘ubhall an sgòrnain’ againn a’ toirt leis seo.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
[uchd]: A’ togail an uchd. Ascending the face of the hill.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[ugh]: Ugh air ionaid, ’s eun air Chàisg, ’s mur a bi sin aig an fhidheach bidh am bàs. [NOTES: note added above ‘ionaid’ – Inid.]
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[ugh]: Ugh air Inid is eun air Caisg, mur bi sin aig an fhitheach, bithidh am bàs.
Origin: [North Uist?]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[uidheam]: Dheanainn sin nam bitheadh an uidheam agam. I would do that if I had the material.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[uilear]: Chan uilear dha tasdan air an tunnaig. He requires a shilling for the duck.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[uilear]: Is uilear dha tasdan air an tunnaig. He does not require two shillings for the duck.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[uinneagan]: Bha tri seomraichean san taigh seo – agus uinneag anns gach aon dhiubh. Bha uinneag ceann an teine mu thri troighean air gach rathad, agus uinneag ceann shios an taighe mun aon mheadachd. Bha uinneag na closaid na bu lutha [sic]. Be uinneag na closaid an aon te a ghabhadh fosgladh.
Origin: [Harris? – cf. ‘Taigh Croitear anns na Hearadh – an taigh anns an do rugadh mi.’]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
[uiridh]: “Tha thusa mar a bha thu an uiridh.”
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[uiseag]: “Thuirt an uiseag ris an fhaoilleach càite an do dh’fhàg thu an laoghan bochd. Dh’fhàg mise e an cùl a’ ghàraidh ’sa dhà shùil na cheann mar phlòc.”
Location: North Uist, Grimsay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[uisge]: Cha tig e an uisge na stiureadh dha. He couldn’t hold a candle to him. [NOTE in second hand: stiùrach.]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[uisge]: Suas an t-uisge – hoisted on the crest of the wave of prosperity.
Location: Killearnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[uisge]: “Bhithinn suas an t-uisge.” – an expression which means that things were going your way, that you were made.
Location: North Uist, Tigharry
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[uisge]: “’S ann ort a chaidh uisge nan uighean.” Would be said of an individualistic, stubborn person who did not follow set behaviour patterns.
Location: North Uist, Tigharry
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[urpull]: Tha a’ mhòine air a dhol ’na h-urpuill (leis an uisge). When peat is swollen with rain. Geàrr ’na h-urpuill i – cut it big. (Cf. urpull de bhalach – a big lump of a boy.)
Location: Harris, Tarbert
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
[urram]: “Urram chlaisneachd chluas na Roinn Eorpa aig an earba, ’s a dh’aindheoin na chloinn i cha teich i gu faic i.”
Location: North Uist, Grimsay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[winding reel]: Mur a h-e seo a bhiodh ann: Bhiodh dà thèic aca, agus an uair a bhiodh aon tèice làn, bheireadh iad an tè eile a mach agus chuireadh iad an sàs i. Dheidheadh an tè a bha làn a chur an uair sin ann an clàrag [q.v.] agus dheidheadh tòiseachadh ’ga tachrais.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Obair na Clòimhe / Wool-Working
[Àgh]: Aig an Àgh tha brath!
Origin: [North Uist?]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[àicheadh]: ’Se an t-aicheadh math an dara pong as fhearr ’san lagh. A stout denial is the second best point in law. [NOTE in second hand: and also without the “dara” restriction.]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[àite àraidh airson luaidh]: Cha robh àite àraidh sam bith againne airson luaidh ach an tigh aig an robh an clò ’san luadh.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Obair na Clòimhe / Wool-Working
[àl]: An t-al a tha ri teachd. The generation to come.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[àm]: B’e seo fhéin an dàrna h-àm dhuit! – Some time for you, this!
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[àm]: Ann am is ann an-am. In and out of season.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[ànradh]: A Mhic an Ànraidh!
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[àrd]: Cho àrd ’sa sheòlas an ceathdubhan ’s ann ’sa chachd a thùiteas e. Applied to a conceited person. [NOTES: note added above ‘th’ in ‘ceathdubhan’ – (r).]
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[èaladh]: “Tha èaladh an fheòir de chaoraich aige.”
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[éideadh]: An nighean as deise theid fo’n eideadh. She who dresses most neatly.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[éirich]: Is math an ni do’n eirich gu math. All’s well that ends well.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[éirich]: Dh’eirich e air an obair. He started the work. [NOTE in second hand: (in earnest).]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[ìm]: Tha ím [sic] an Othanaich (Onich), ach ma tha, co bheir as e? – when butter was scarce.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[ìm]: Ge b’e a dh’itheas an t-ìm togaidh e an tobhta.
Location: North Uist, Grimsay, Gearradh Dubh
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[òirleach]: “Cha d’thàinig òirleach air.” – airson “Cha deacha gnogadh air.” [NOTES: one of the phrases suggested in the questionnaire – ‘he hasn’t grown an inch’.]
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Nàdur an Duine / Personality
[òl]: ’Se an t-ol a chuir an dunaidh air. It was drink that played the mischief with him.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[òrdag]: Bodach mór na ‘fanga’ a rithist [i.e. am bodach who is mentioned as the source of the word ‘fanga’ above (p. 1.)]. Nuair nach biodh tombaca aige agus a bheireadh duine dha pìos, theireadh e, “Piseach air an òrdaig ’s an còrr air a’ chorraig, ’s fheàrr seo na na fhuair sinn a riamh.”
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[òrdag]: An ordag an aghaidh na glaic. Make a fist.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[òrrais]: Tha an orrais ri m’fhiacal fad an la. Waterbrash troubles me all day.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[ùgh]: An t-ùgh circe ag iarraidh an uigh gheoidh – giving something whilst expecting something bigger and better in return.
Location: North Uist, Grimsay, Gearradh Dubh
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[ùir]: Thogadh an uir tharta. They are interred. [NOTE in second hand: or Chuireadh.]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[ùraich]: Dh’uraich an deoch e. The drink invigorated (refreshed) him.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[ənʹẽʔṉəɾ]: Notes: the day after tomorrow. [NOTES: slipped under ‘an earrar’.]
Origin: Islay, Ballygrant
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[ɛ̃nʹəvɑx]: Quotation: Tha esan an [ɛ̃nʹəvɑx] gu a’ chluasan. Notes: He is in debt up to his ears. [NOTES: slipped under ‘ainbhfiach’.]
Origin: Islay, Ballygrant
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[ɡrɛ̜ ə vɔṉiç]: Notes: an illness – ? Cf. Dw. ‘galar greidh’ – ‘fives, strangles’.
Origin: Loch Tay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[ɡɑ̃:]: Quotation: [ɡɑ̃:] ris an fhardaich. Notes: in the immediate vicinity of the house.
Origin: Skye
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[ɡʹiˈhɤu̟]: Quot.: “Bu tu an [ɡʹiˈhɤu̟] (gi-how)”. “’S e fìor [ȷiˈhɤu̟] a th’ann.” Note: common in Lewis. Idiot, person with little sense. “Duine gun chonn.”
Origin: [Lewis], Arnol
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[‘funny man’]: Iad seo uile airson mar gu’n canadh sibh ‘funny man’. Tuigidh sibh fhéin. Tha barrachd air an seo againn na’n cuimhnichinn orra.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Nàdur an Duine / Personality
[‘Na Cóig’ or a’ Ghriùthran]: “She [my mother] played a game called ‘Na Cóig’ or a’ Ghriùthran with five pebbles. Various moves were undertaken while tossing them, these I recollect: Cóig, Deich, Co’deug, Fichead Roisinne mhór, Roisinne bheag, Slipean mór, Slipean beag, Cóig dhuilich, Fad na h-uilinn, Cóig na cearraig, Cóig dhall, Garra mór, garra beag, Cóig an aoidh, Cóig an aoidh ’n adhar, Griùthran, Crogais mhóra, Crogais bheaga.”
Origin: Applecross [mother]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[‘tuisleadh-asbhuinne’]: Note: as regards another word or two in connection with woman’s complaints I am making further enquiries. Someone (one informant) told me ‘tuisleadh-asbhuinne’ was an ‘Uist word’, mostly used on Uist, but I remember it being used on Harris, years back.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
[’g an crodhadh]: hemming them in.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
a t-suil liath: [sic] spleen. (Cuiridh mi an t-suil liath far na maodail agad.)
Location: Na Hearadh, Gòbhaig [Harris, Gobhaig]
Category: Crodh / Cattle
a bhuinn bhàna: his bare soles, e.g. Chuir an t-òl a bhuinn bhàna bhos a chinn. The drink ruined him.
Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
a bleodhan gus an deur mo dhearadh: [milking to the last drop.]
Origin: [Islay, Ballygrant]
Category: Crodh / Cattle
A Chealla: “An a sgaoil a’ Chealla?” A’ Chealla b’e seo againne eaglais Bhaile na Cille ann an Uig. Bha e aig na seann daoine mar a th’agam an seo shuas. “A’ Chealla” agus “An a sgaoil a’ Chealla”. Ach cha robh e againne ach mar ainm do’m biodh sinn a’ toirt an aire, chluinneadh sinn e an dràsda ’s a rithist. Nuair a bha Calum MacLeòid am ministeir (Calum MacLeòid a chaochail ann am Both-chuidir agus a bha ’na Cheann-suidhe air a’ Chomunn Ghàidhealach airson greis), nuair a bha e dol troimh an fhòghlum an Dunéideann, thuit a mach bhuaithe uaireigin “A Chealla” agus mar sin. Thug an t-Ollamh Mac Fhionghuin an aire do an seo anns an spot agus chòrd an rud a bh’ann ris anabarrach math.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
a chloimh: sheep scab. ‘Smiùradh’ process by tar was the originally [sic] process. Nowadays
the dipping fluid, etc. is the process, alternatively. (Same [i.e. as ‘a chloimh’ above] but
‘smiùradh’ by the tar process was the original remedy.) (Brochan teth, stiùrag theth ma’s e
fuachd neo buaidh an fhuachd ’s an uisge – b’aobhar.) [NOTES: not sure if the second note in
brackets is part of the definition. Not clear where it belongs.]
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Blàthan-Leighis / Medicinal Plants
a cuir a dath a cheile: to work something out. [NOTES: ‘a dath’ corrected to ‘an dath’.]
Location: South Uist, Stoneybridge
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
a cuir an [sic] fiachadh dhut: lying, but not in a devious manner.
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
a cuir an ire dhut: lying, but not in a devious manner.
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
a cur a mach an todhair: Carry manure or fertiliser in creel to the field.
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
a cur a stigh an fheoir: Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
a càradh nan rùsg / an fheanntach: Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
a diochd an t-sìth: maintaining an aggravating stance against some person or something, e.g. “Bha a chlann sin a’ cumail diochd an t-sìth leis an rùda sin.” – they were always inciting the ram.
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
a fioneadh an t-sìl: pounding with a wooden stick (buailtean).
Location: Na Hearadh [Harris], Finsbay
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
a gabhail an feoir: Securing hay. [NOTES: ‘gabhail aig an fheur’ on the slip.]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
a gearradh an fheoir: Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
a gnoss: (an t-suic) The point (of the sock) i.e. a small piece of iron inserted by the smith when shaping the sock. See diag [NOTES: probably refers to a diagram provided by the informant.]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
a leagail an iaruinn: (scythe) Adjusting blade.
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
a leothara (silent ‘a’ – leothra) tha: a similarly exclusive phrase [i.e. ‘exclusive to the south end of South Uist’, cf. explanation of Tha an toiseach] which alludes to the inevitability of a certain situation, e.g. “Nach e Iain fhein a tha air fàs cugallach.” “O leothra tha, a Dhomhnaill.”
Location: South Uist, Smerclete
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
a madadh-ruadh ’s a’ chearc: The ‘Cearc’ had all her ‘chickens’ strung along behind her, each clasping the one in front round the waist, the nearest one to the ‘Cearc’ clasping her. The ‘Fox’ came along and pretended to dig in front of the Hen, who asked him: “De tha thu cladhach ann a shen? [?]” “Tha mi lorg snathad.” “De tha thu dol a dheanamh leis an t-snàthaid?” “Tha mi dol a dh’fhuaigheal pac.” “De tha thu dol a dheanamh leis a phac?” “Tha mi dol a chur gual ann.” “De tha thu dol a dheanamh leis a ghual?” “Tha mi dol a dheanamh teine.” “De tha thu dol a dheanamh leis an teine?” “Tha mi dol a chur prais air.” “De tha thu dol a dheanamh leis a phrais?” “Tha mi dol a chur feòil innt.” “De an fheòil?” “Tha feòil do chuid iseanan is tu fhein as an deidh.” The Hen, with arms outstretched like wings, tried to guard her brood, while the Fox captured them, one by one.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig
Category: Cur-seachadan: Dèideagan, Geamaichean is Farpaisean / Recreation: Toys, Games, Contests
A Mhic-an-t-Saoghail!: Location: Killearnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
a showdee: dangling an infant or bobbing it up and down.
Location: Inverness
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
a spealadh an fheoir: Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
a t-àthagh, tha an t-àthagh an diugh orra: [NOTES: an t-àthagh corrected from an t-adhagh.]
Origin: Harris, Horgabost or Harris, Kyles Stockinish
Category: Sìde / Weather
a togail an fheoir: Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
a-mach: advb. ‘out’: chuir e ‘-mach air leth-cheud troigh e; dh’fhight iad e (?) a-mach; bha fearann aige a-mach san Eilean; tha sinn dìreach ~ à connadh; gus an tig __ an uair a chuir Dia
a-mach dha; nuair a tha e ~ air ceithir fichead bliadhna; thug iad an ròpa eile ‘-mach __ air taobh ‘-mach an taighe; thàinig am fear seo(?) taobh ‘-mach na h-uinneigeadh
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
a-nall: advb ‘over [from]’: ’s ‘ig e ’-nall air an abhainn
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
a-niste: advb ‘: ~, bha mise an deoghaidh an naidheachd a chluinnteil [DAG]
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
a-nunn: advb ‘over [to]’: a' dol a dh'Èirinn ~; ~ car mun àm seo a bhliadhna; thig e ’-nunn air an abhainn
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
Abhaich: native of Avoch, Scotland. Na h-Abhaich. Eithear Abhach – an Avoch boat.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
abhairseach (f): a spinster (actually, not an unmarried female).
Origin: [Strathglass]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
abhras: Quotation: Fear as an druim, fear as an abhras. Notes: the bottom of the herring net.
Location: Skye?, Braes, Baile Meadhonach
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
abhsadh: adharp [oidheirp?] a chaidh thairis air do neart. “Leum e an balla gun abhsadh.”
Location: Harris, Leverburgh
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
abidil: Quot.: an illness which affected cattle. Thinks it was fits, but not sure. Cure: “Bha sioman connlach air fhighe ceàrr air a chur timchioll air druim agus mionach a’ bheathaich”.
Origin: [Lewis], Arnol
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
abidil: Quot.: “Tha thu leis an abidil.” Note: said to people who wouldn’t stand still. (“Abidil” said by D.M. to be cholic. With this illness a cow would be restless and try to climb up the wall with its front legs.)
Origin: Carloway, Doune
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
abrach: Quot.: “Dh’fhalbh a sgonnan as an abrach.” Note: Heard this in connection with the quern. Not sure of what “abrach” means.
Location: [Lewis], South Lochs, Caversta
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
acadal: [ɑkəd̪əɫ] Quot.: “Nach tu a fhuair an t-acadal.” Note: a good thing (got in one’s need).
Origin: Uig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
acair: Quotation: Bha i cosmhail ri acair an aranach. Notes: He was so careful that he always kept his anchor ashore even when he put to sea. When the storm came, he had none to save him.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
acair: am meall mór feoir anns an t-sobhal an déidh a sgamhnadh.
Origin: Geàrrloch (Loch Iubh) [Gairloch (Loch Ewe)]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
acarsaid: nn f. ‘harbour’: a chaidh crosach an ~; ri crosadh acarsaid Halifax; cha deachaidh e cros an acarsaid [DAG]
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
ach an/ am: conj. ‘’to see if’: feireadh e sùil às a dheoghaidh ach an robh feadhain a’ coimhead air: well, bhiodh a chuile fear riamh a’ dol sìos ach am faiceadh iad __; bha chuile fear riamh
a’ tilleadh
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
achadh-dubh: [ɑxəd̪u̟] Quot.: “Thàinig an t-achadh-dubh.” Note: the reappearance of the ground after the snow melts.
Origin: [Lewis], Arnol
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
acras: Quotation: Nuair a thig an acras a steach air an dorus theid an gaol a mach air an uinneig.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
acras: nn 'hunger': bhiodh e glè thric air an ~
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
Ad an Easbuig: Mitre.
Location: South Uist, Daliburgh
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
adag: four or six sheaves make an ‘adag’.
Origin: Na Hearadh [Harris]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
adha: Quotation: Bheireadh e an dom dheth an adha agad. Notes: said of a compulsive thief.
Location: Ross-shire, Aultbea
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
adha: Quotation: an t-adha [ən̪t̪ɑ:]. Notes: liver.
Origin: Sutherland, Embo
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
adharc: 1. Adharc airson a séideadh. Bho chionn ceud bliadhna air ais bha adharc de’n t-seòrsa-sa ann am baile mo bhreith agus m’ àrach, airson a bha ag gairm a mach nan daoine airson a dhol do an choinneimh sheachduineil anns a’ bhaile. Bhiodh a’ choinneamh-sa aig a’ mhinistear no aig an luchd-dreuchd. Mar bu trice ’se coinneamh-urnuigh a bhiodh ann. 2. Adharc airson ballan a chur. Is e adhaircean chruidh a bhiodh anns na h-adhaircean-sa (adharc bà no adharc daimh). (Gibne.)

Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Leabhar Deilbh / Drawing Book
adharc: horn; fog-horn. Séid an adhairc. A horn of a dead cow was used by fishermen when in fog to denote their presence. (Scalpay)
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
adhlaic: Quotation: (a) chaidh [[ɑ̃ũ]ɫɑk]. (b) aig an [[ɑ̃ũ]ɫɑk]. Notes: (a) he was buried. (b) at the funeral. [NOTES: slipped under ‘adhlac’.]
Location: Perthshire, Killin
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
afoinn: cured peat of such an absorbent texture that it soaks in water to such an extent that it will not burn until it is dried again. [NOTES: ‘ath-mhòin?’ in second hand added in the margin.]
Origin: Lewis, Back or Lewis, Back
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
ag aiseag: where peats are cut on an island, ferrying them to the mainland.
Location: Harris, Tarbert
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
ag innis: Tha an crodh ag innis as a bhuaile.
Origin: Leodhas [Lewis], Uig
Category: Crodh / Cattle
agair: [ɑɡəɾ] Quot.: “Dé ’n taobh a tha a’ ghaoth?” “Tha i deas agus agair aice ris an earra-dheas.” “Tha i tuath agus agair aice ris an iar-thuath.” Note: inclination.
Origin: Caversta
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
agaphort: Quotation: Tha e cho righinn (stubborn) ris an agaphort. [NOTES: a note in second hand – ‘See agafors.’]
Location: Lewis, Carloway
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
agh (m), aghan (pl –Tiree, not aighean), an agha (genitive): heifer (over 2 years).
Origin: Tiree
Category: Crodh / Cattle
aghaidh: Quotation: Tha e tighinn air aghaidh ’s an fheasgair. Notes: It is getting late in the evening.
Origin: Port Wemyss
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
aghaidh: nn f. ‘face’: blàrag a’ dol dhan choillidh [iç] ‘s a h-~ [-iç] air an taigh [ən døi̯]? Tuagh. [= riddle]
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
aghann: applied to an exceptionally small boat.
Location: Skye
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
aghartan: Quotation: Chan eil aghartas sam bith anns an duine ud. – He is good for nothing, he has no initiative. Abair dol air aghart! – What a carry on! [NOTES: slipped under ‘adhartan’.]
Origin: West Lewis [the location given on the slips]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
aghastar: Quotation: Bha a’ bhó fo dhàir agus chuir mi aghastar innt agus chaidh mi chun an tarbh leatha. Notes: halter.
Origin: Drumguish, by Kingussie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
aichinnich: land that has been ploughed for the second year. “Bha sinn a’ treabhadh na h-aichinnich an diugh.”
Location: North Uist, Tigharry
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
aid luideach: gaoth an iar-dheas.
Origin: Harris, Horgabost or Harris, Kyles Stockinish
Category: Sìde / Weather
aidheach(d): (naidheachd) n. ‘news, story’: latha air na mhàireach rachadh an ~ a sgrìobhadh; anuair ud bhathas a’ toir’ na h-~ dhan phears’-eaglaiseadh
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
aidmheil: nn f. ‘denomination’: coiseachd do dh’eaglais __ an dà ~, fhios a’d, dha na h-eaglaisean aca fhèin
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
aig: prep. ‘at, to’: aig: aig an geamhradh [sic] tha iad geal; agam: ‘well,’ thuirt mi agam fhìn; aice: ach bhiodh aicese ri bhith còmhla ris, co-dhiù [FMM]; bhiodh e aice ris a’
bhainne ‘ chur dhan chreamery
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
aig an teine: I think the living room was always referred to like this.
Origin: Eileanaich [natives of Lewis]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
aig an teine: Term used for main living room. I have never heard a single word used to designate this part of a house. [NOTES: slipped under ‘teine’ with ‘aig an teine’ as the quotation.]
Origin: Skye
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
Aig an teine: Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
aig an teine: living room.
Location: [Lewis], Siabost
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
aig an teine: Origin: Geàrrloch (Loch Iubh) [Gairloch (Loch Ewe)]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
aig iarradh an tairbh: Location: Lewis, Arnol
Category: Crodh / Cattle
ailbhinn-dubh: Quotation: Cho dorcha ris an ailbhinn-dubh. Notes: ? the dark abyss. [NOTES: in second hand – as dark as the pit.]
Location: Skye, Strath
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
aileadh: Quot.: truaghan bochd gun ailidh [ɑli]. Note: applied to a poor, unfortunate person. A. Campbell (Puilean) says it is “truaghan an ailidh” meaning the same thing.
Origin: [Lewis], Arnol
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
aileadh: footprints or prints. “Dh’fhàg e aileadh air an talamh sin.”
Location: Barra, Earsharry [Earsary]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
aileadh: Quot.: truaghan an ailidh [ɑli] (sic). Note: applied to a poor unfortunate person. (Puilean says “truaghan an ailidh”; N. Campbell, Arnol, says “truaghan bochd gun ailidh”.)
Origin: [Ness]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
aileag: Quotation: an aileag. Notes: hiccups.
Location: Islay, Bowmore
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
aileag: Quotation: Tha an aileag air gu naidheachdan. Notes: said of a person desperate for news, gossip, etc.
Origin: Tiree
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ailleir: : an fheadhain a bhiodh a’ dèanamh tulaichean ’s a’ dèanamh ~ (rud a dhèanadh saor le fiodh)
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
ailm: [ɑləm] Quotation: an ailm. Notes: the tiller.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ailmost: (emphasis on most) bedlam. ‘Thainig an t-ailmost.’ The row started.
Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ailt: [ɑlʹtʹ] Quotation: Thug e [ɑlʹtʹ] as an teine. Notes: a burning stick, a piece of burning wood.
Origin: Bunloit
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
aimhreit: n. ‘discord’: cha robh uimhir ~ anns an t-saoghal ’s a tha ann an-diugh
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Mira Co., Marion Bridge
Category: Word List
aimsrich: genitive of ‘aimsir’. “Tha mise an deireadh na h-aimsreach.”
Location: Skye
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
aingealta: applied to an unpredictable beast – “beathach aingealta”.
Location: North Uist, Tigharry
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ainin: Quotation: an ainin [ən ɑ̣˖nʹi̜nʹ]. Notes: the eaves of a house.
Location: Ross of Mull
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ainme: Quotation: an t-ainme. Notes: ‘blood on sea’ (?). Not in Dw.
Location: Lewis
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ainmeachas: namely. Ann an ainmeachas.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ainmeannan pholl mhonach: Gle thric bidh ainm fhein air gach poll monach. Poll na lìrigean; Poll an fheadain; Poll Sloc a’ Bhodaich; Poll nan Starran (iad sin anns an Rudha.) Poll nan Craobh (An Nis ’s air na Lochan.) – bidh iad a’ tighinn air bunnan chraobh annta-san. Poll na Fala – air na Lochan – uisge dearg a’ ruith troimhe. Poll nan Cragan – ann an Dail-o-Dheas – bidh iad a’ tighinn air cragain criadhaidh is rudan eile aig doimhne trì fòid ann. Bha poll againn fhin anns an Rudha faisg air Sloc a’ Bhodaich ris an cainte Am Poll Uamharraidh. Tha e nis air ruith a mach.
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
ainmeil: adj. ‘famous’: gus an latha an-diugh tha e ~
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
ainneamh (?): [ɑ̃nʹi] Quotation: (1) Tha e [ɑ̃nʹi] math. (2) Ni sin an gnothach [ɑ̃nʹi]. Notes: (1) It is unusually good. (2) That will do splendidly.
Location: Ross-shire, Torridon, Alligin
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
air: Quotation: air an todhar. Notes: “on the bleaching green” “being bleached”.
Location: Harris, Ardhasaig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
air: Quotation: Chaidh a’ chairt ’s an t-each druimeach air tharrach. Notes: turned turtle. (from druim – back, tàrr – belly?)
Location: Lewis, Barvas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
air: Quotation: Bha iad air an deanamh air fiodh. Notes: made of wood.
Origin: Skye, Torrin
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
air: Quotation: Chaidh an t-each air a cholainn. Notes: the horse overturned.
Origin: Bunloit
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
air: Quotation: Nach fiathaich an dol air aghaidh seo! Notes: What a carry-on this is!
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
air: prep. ‘on’: bha e ~ a dhinneir; bha m’ athair math ~ òrain; bha e glè mhath air an tuaigh gu gearradh sa choillidh ud; chan eil fhios aig duine aire sin; 1, 2sg: ‘an robh an t-eagal
ort, John R, sa chladh?’ ‘Dè a chuireadh orm?’; 3m: saoil thu ' bheil e nis an-nochd air an Èirinn?
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
air: Quotation: Tha Aonghas an aon dòigh oirne. Notes: Angus is the same as us.
Origin: Islay, Ballygrant
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
air: Notes: Air a mhór-thir. Air Bràighe Steornabhaigh. Air an taobh-siar. Air na Lochan – at the Parish of Lochs.
Origin: West Lewis [the location given on the slips]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
air a fhighe (an clò (E)): Finishing.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Obair na Clòimhe / Wool-Working
air an aon ghlòigh: to keep things even, e.g. when cutting corn with a scythe, the stubble ought to be left as even as possible. [NOTES: ‘ghlòigh’ corrected to ‘dhlòith, (*dlòth)’.]
Location: South Uist, Kildonan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
air an dlo: to their own resources.
Location: Skye
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
air an déile (f): laid out.
Origin: [Skye, Camus Chroise]
Category: Bàs is Adhlacadh / Death and Burial
air an earalas: on the off chance.
Location: South Uist, Stilligarry
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Air an iolla: So a bhith muigh an an eathar anns a’ bhàgh, dithis ag iomradh agus na ‘flies’ ga slaodadh as a deidh air na slatan no air an dragh gun na slatan. Feumaidh cuideam luaidhe rud-eigin trom a bhith air an driamlach os cionn na ‘flies’ gus an cumail sios beagan anns a’ mhuir.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
air an oir(bh): in great numbers.
Location: Skye
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
air an t-slige chur: shell-cast.
Location: Harris, Sgarastamhor
Category: Iasgach a’ Ghiomaich / Lobster-Fishing
air an tobhtaidh: on top of the wall.
Origin: Barra
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
air an uideal: restless. Tha e air uideal - he is on tenterhooks.
Location: Harris, Sgarastamhor
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
air an òirlich: an expression which would be used of a regular visitor. “Bhiodh e an taigh Sheonaidh air an oirlich [sic].”
Location: North Uist, Sollas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Air a’ chladach: Tha an criudha cruinn mu’n eathar.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
air chialladh: on an empty. Chunnaic mi chuthag air chialladh / ’S dh’aithnich mi nach deigheadh a’ bhliadhna leam.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Air eughach anns an Eaglais: Announced in Church.
Location: South Uist, Daliburgh
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
air n-adhart: advb ‘forward’: bha i gàbhaidh, chuireadh i ~ an saoghal le obair
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
air neo: conj. ‘or else’: am bugsa a thilgeil ‘s a chuile sian dheth, air neo bhiodh an truckwagon na theine; dùn do bheul, air neo bidh tu air do dhischargeadh; leanadh an spiorad ‘
tighinn ort _ air neo, leanadh esan oirrese [FMM]
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
air-a-druime-direach: on even keel. [NOTES: slipped under ‘druim’ with ‘air a’ druime dìreach’ as the quotation. Definition: On an even keel.]
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
air-an-t-sùil: on the dot form of expression.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
air-an-t-sùil: on the spot (literally on the eye). (Idioms?)
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
aird-an-fhiarais: at the height of the fever, high temperature.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
aire: nn f. ‘care’: ach ‘n ~ nach fheuch iad [ət] ri tighinn a-nall ‘ro na bushan; cha tug e an ~ dè bha ann; corra uair feumaidh duine an ~ ‘ thoirt bho [fɔ] chorra dhuine; gu bheil
agad an ~ ‘ thoirt; aire: thug e an ~ dhan ghill’ òg seo; thug i an aire nach do chuir i an t-uisge coisreactha air a’ bhòrd idir
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
airgead: nn ‘money’: a bha ‘ dèanamh an _ uisge an airgid; gen.: uisge airgid [ar͜aˋkit´]
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
airidh: Quotation: ’S math an airidh! – It serves him right! Notes: usually in scorn.
Origin: West Lewis [the location given on the slips]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
airigh iasgaich: an onshore shieling made of turfs and used by fisherman. Located near the sea.
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Airleis: So airgiod a bhiodh gach te ann an criudha ri faighinn bhon chùireir nuair a cheangaladh iad fhein ris mus toisicheadh an t-iasgach. Tha cuid beò fhathast a thoisich air tasdan de àirleis, ach bha e cho àrd ri deich tasdain an te nuair a sguir iad a dhol ’nan treudan chun an iasgaich so.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
airson: prep. ‘for; to’: cha robh agam ach rolladh a-mach air an taobh seo ’son bhith ’ dol suas; cheannaicheadh [çaɴàçə] tu rud a tha thu ~ [ˈɛ ̦sɔn ] ceannach an-diugh, ai’son ithe ai’son
leth na prìse; dh’fheumadh tu chuile ceathramh a ghabhail dà thruip ~ gun cumadh tu an aon rhythm
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
airson: Quotation: Air son sud fhein. Notes: reply often given to an inquisitive child.
Location: Lewis
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
airson: Quotation: Airson sud fhéin. Notes: “Never mind!” Reply to an inquisitive person.
Location: Tiree, [Caolas? – one slip]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
aiseag: Quotation: “Am fear a bhios fada aig an aiseag gheibh e thairis uair éigin.” – the place of the ferry. “Th’uair [sic] e aiseag sàbhailt …” – the act of being ferried.
Origin: West Lewis [the location given on the slips]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
aisling: Quotation: Nach i chunnaic an aisling! Notes: How her circumstances have deteriorated!
Origin: [North Uist?]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
aisling chonain: Notes: an erotic dream. Date: 1972.
Location: [see below]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
aisneas: Cha d’fhuair mi ach an droch aisneas air. – I didn’t get a good report of him.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
aiste: from her, as: Chuir e an luchd aisde [sic].
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
aiteamh: Quotation: an t-aitidh [ən̪t̪ɑtʹi]. Notes: the thaw.
Origin: Drumguish, by Kingussie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
aithghearr Baintighearn an t-Sruthain gu Fearnan: via Logierait instead of over the hill – said of a foolish action.
Location: Tummel and Rannoch
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
aithinne: Quotation: (1) half-burnt peat. (2) Chaidh a’ bhó/each/tarbh ann an aithinne. Notes: when applied to animals, it means that it has got into position from which it can’t rise, through rolling on its back.
Origin: Skye
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
aithir: a shelving slope. “’Se Coire Cheathaich an aithir phrìseil.”
Location: Skye
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
aithlis: scandals, disgraces. “’S aithne dhomh an sloinneadh ’s an aithlis.”
Location: South Uist, South Lochboisdale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
aithne: Quotation: ’S mise chuir an aithne a chèile iad. Notes: introduced them to each other.
Location: North Uist
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
aithneachadh-an-latha: literally knowing the day. [NOTES: slipped under ‘aithneachadh’. Quotation: aithneachadh an latha.]
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
aithris-mhagaidh: Quotation: Rinn e aithris-mhagaidh dheth fhéin. Notes: He made an utter fool of himself.
Origin: Islay, Ballygrant
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
aitreabh: nn ‘habitation’: bidh sibh na b' eòlaich, fhios agaibh, air an ~
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
alainn: [ɑɫĩnʹ] Note: his pronunciation. Whisky and tobacco given out at a funeral. Did not see it himself. “Alainn an duine a bhasaich.”
Origin: [Lewis], Arnol
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
alaire: [ɑɫəɾə] Quotation: an alaire. Notes: whisky, biscuits and cheese given at a funeral.
Location: Ross-shire, Dornie, Morvich
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
allghrabadh: an accident, rough handling.
Location: Skye
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
allt: Quotation: ri taobh an uillt (sic) [ri t[ui]] ən [ui]ɫtʹ].
Location: Perthshire, Killin
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Almost!: “Bha mi ’n a mo shuidhe a stigh gu dòigheil ris an teine agus chuala mi an almost sin – na càit a’ sabaid.”
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
alp: Quotation: air an [ɑɫpəɡ] ’na cheile. [ɣɑɫpiɡʹ] e ri a cheile iad. Notes: morticed together, joined together as two pieces of wood.
Location: Ross-shire, Achiltibuie, Alltan Dubh
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
alt: way of arranging threads. “A cuir [sic] an t-alt air.”
Location: [Harris], Leverburgh, Kintulavaig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
alt: knack. “Bha an t-alt aig air an obair.”
Location: South Uist, Lochcarnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
alt: Quotation: Theid iad an altan a chéile nas fheàrr. Notes: in weaving. Ma bhios an dlùth nas cruaidhe ’s nas caoile ’s an cuir nas reamhra ’s nas buige, theid iad an altan a cheile nas fheàrr.
Origin: North Uist
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
alt: a net, fishing net hung with the meshes in an appropriate setting for mending, grain set; could be applied to cloth.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
alt (m): passage in prose or poetry; corr-alt – an occasional passage.
Origin: [Strathglass]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Altachadh an deidh Bidh: Grace after meals.
Location: South Uist, Daliburgh
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
altram: vbl nn ‘bringing up’: nach robh duine geal an sin agus e ‘g ~ [auʁ̫tərəm] leanbh dubh
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
AM BEUL - Am beul, an amhaich, na fiaclan. Faclan a’ bointinn ri ithe agus òl. Faclan mu dheidhinn bruidhinn, gàireachdainn agus mar sin air adhart: Origin: Tiriodh [Tiree]
Category: Faireachdain / Senses
Am beul, an amhaich, na fiaclan: Location: Na Hearadh, Gòbhaig [Harris, Gobhaig]
Category: Faireachdain / Senses
am biasd-dubh: an otter. (?)
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
am braiceas: Am braiceas: an lit is bainne fuar, an tí de bainne is siucar, píos de’n bhonnach arain le ím is jam is ma dh’fhaoidhte crioman de’n mulchag chaise; lit is bainne, sgon no aran coirce is ím.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
am brod: collection box. The collection box had a long handle. The collector, an elder, went round the seats (suidheanan) with it.

Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
Am buidhe ròpa: So an ròpa a tha ceangal a’ phuta ri cluasan da lion. Innsidh de an àirde aig am bi an sùlaire ri sgéith mus teid e air a cheann gu de am fad a leigeas iad am buidhe ropa mus ceangail iad ris an lion e. Mu bhios an sulaire ri seoladh ard tha an sgadan domhainn.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
am béirear: Sin an t-ainm a th’againn air. Ach anns an Rudha, an Leòdhas, is e ‘am maide muileis’ a th’aca air.

Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
am faclair: Faclair ann an firionn no boirionn a tha e dhuinn? Dhuinne, có dhiù, mar leabhar tha faclair dhuinn firionn. Mar, faclair mór, faclair tomaideach. Ach a’ coimhead air faclair mar gur h-e dictionary no uile-eòlas a th’ann, is ann borionn a tha am facal dhuinn. Mar dictionary mhór, encyclopedia mhór. Smaite gu bheil a’ chùis an aon rud air taobh siar Rois. Smaite nach eil. Có dhiù cha dean deifir.
Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
am faradh: shuas air na sparran far an robh maidean fiodha sìnte. Dad nach robh ’ga chur gu feum a’ cheud ghreis rachadh a chur “air an fharadh” as an rathad.
Origin: Geàrrloch (Loch Iubh) [Gairloch (Loch Ewe)]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
am fear air an t-slabhraidh: Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Am Fear nach tig an coir (cobhair?) Criosdaidh: Satan.
Origin: Barra
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
Am fear tha air an t-slabhraidh: Satan.
Origin: Barra
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
am fliuch bhord: am bord ris an druim.
Location: Na Hearadh, Gòbhaig [Harris, Gobhaig]
Category: Eathraichean / Boats
am fàilean: nùr fail cho fada ris an uaigh rachadh a chur air a h-uachdar. An rud mu dheireadh. “Dh’fhurich sinn gus an do chuir iad am fàilean air.”
Origin: Geàrrloch (Loch Iubh) [Gairloch (Loch Ewe)]
Category: Bàs is Adhlacadh / Death and Burial
am miosg: prep. ‘among’: ~ a chèile, a’ fight; ~ nàiseinean heile [FMM]; 3sg.: chaidh mi ‘ro operation, chaidh mi ‘ro an dàrna tè agus ghabh mi pneumonia na mhiosg sin;
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
am peandaidh: Appendicitis. Chaidh ceàrd suas chun an ospadail an Steòrnabhagh agus a bhean aige glé thinn leis an tinneas a bha seo. “Pendex, please”, arsa an ceàrd ris an fheadhainn a thachair ris. ’Se am “peandaidh” a chanas sinne ris, a’ bruidhinn air gu cumanta.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
am peursa: (…) Bha nì aige [i.e. aig Fred MacAmhlaidh] dhomh nach robh agam agus nach cuala mi a riamh. Agus bha e glé inntinn-tharruingeach dhomh. Am peursa. Agus togail a’ pheursa. Bha e ag radh: “Anns an sgìre againne bhiodh iad a’ togail a’ pheursa nuair a bha iad airson na croitearan a chruinneachadh còmhla, agus cha robh ’s a’ pheursa ach pòla mór fiodha agus bhithte a’ cur a cheann dha’n talamh.” ’Se coinneamh-baile a chì sibh ’s a’ phàipear a thug gu a inntinn am peursa. Gu’n tachair Fred rium a rithist chan eil fhios agam dé mar a tha iad a’ fuaimneachadh peursa.
Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
am plate (E): (air am biodh an t-ainm) [NOTES: slipped under ‘plate’ with ‘am plate’ as the quotation. Definition: Am plate air am biodh an ainm [sic].]
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Bàs is Adhlacadh / Death and Burial
am plocan: Da ainm mar a bha mi ag ràdh roimhe airson gnothaichean iasgaich. An dooker. [q.v.] Am plocan. B’e seo maide a bhiodh aca airson sgròbaigeadh nan langannan airson a bhith na b’aithghearra. An àite a bhith toirt an dubhain as an langainn leis an làimh, bha thu a’ cur caran de an t-snòthda mu na phlocan agus ’ga shuabadh bhos cionn do chinn gu’n tigeadh an dubhan clear no gu’m briseadh rudeigin. Chan fhaca mise a riamh am plocan. Ach chanainn gu’m biodh e mar seo:
Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
am pluc: ’s an adha co dhiu.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
am/ an: 1 prep. ‘in’: bha i math an Gàidhlig 's am Beurla;am bi iad a’ dèanamh maragan an Èirinn am fuil; 1sg:: chaidh e ionnam cho mòr sin; 3m: cha robh pioc do dh’eagal ann; chaidh e ann
a’ chuile sian [̼ | ʃɛn] a bha ann; cha robh ann nach tachdadh e duine; gu dè am beòthach a bhiodh ann; 3pl.: sguir iad a dhol ionnta (dha na h-eaglaisean aca fhèin); rel.: dhèanainn rud sam
bith anns an cuirinn mo làmh; + ur: bha sibh nur daoine cearta
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
am/ an: 2 ? interr. ptcl. ‘: chunna mi ‘ leithid seo ‘ dhuine. ‘N [ən̪ə] am faca? Chunnaic
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
amadan: Quotation: slig’ an amadain. Notes: the pancreas.
Origin: North Uist
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
amaideach: tottering especially with drink. “Anns an amaidaich.”
Location: Skye
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
amailt: being in the centre of operations, e.g. “an amailt na pairti”.
Location: South Uist, South Lochboisdale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
amal: Quotation: an t amal [əntɑ˖məɫ]. Notes: master trees, airson cliath a cheathal ris na greallagan.
Location: Ross of Mull
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
amall: Quot.: “ceann an amaill”. “Bha ceann an amaill aige air.” Note: originally used when comparing the relative effectiveness of two horses when ploughing. Came to be used of people as well, i.e. when saying that one person was better than another, without perhaps a great deal of difference.
Origin: Ness
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
amanan bliadhna airson an truiseadh: [?]
Category: Maorach / Shellfish
amar fuail: ag gleidheadh seo (maighistir) airson nighe is còmhla ri dath. Chunna mi maighistir ann an stabull, ’ga shuathadh ri guilleann nan each ’san earrach (a’ dèanamh a’ chraicinn làidir).
Origin: Geàrrloch (Loch Iubh) [Gairloch (Loch Ewe)]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
amasach: if bad fortune fell on someone repetitively. “’S ann dha a bha an cruadal amasach.”
Location: Skye
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
amh-mhòine: moine nach deach a thiormachadh doigheil, na “thàinig air ais” an deigh a tiormachadh. Bi e dualach gu robh poll sticte dubh am measg a reisg!
Origin: [Taransay]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
amhain: [ɑhĩnʹ] Quotation: Chaidh a’ bhó ann an [ɑhĩnʹ]. Notes: Amhain – sp. in Dwelly (from MacAlpine). An awkward position into which a beast gets itself and cannot extricate itself from it. [ɑfɔ̃nʹ] – Lewis.
Origin: Bunloit
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
amhainn: [ˈafiNʹ] Quotation: Chaidh a’ bho ann an amhainn. Notes: an awkward position, as getting leg caught in tether.
Origin: Back
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
amhallach: [ɑ̃vəɫɑx] Note: an unsavoury character. “Bad stick”.
Location: Harris
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
amharc: Notes: oversight – watchful care. Ag amharc gu géur air. – Looking. Ciod a th’aige ’s an amharc? – What has he got in mind / in view? B’e sin a chùis amharc! – What a sight!
Origin: West Lewis [the location given on the slips]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
amhlaidh: Quot.: “air an amhlaidh cheudna”. Note: in like manner.
Origin: Crowlista
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
amhras: amhras an linn: thoir thugad an t-amhras chuid dhe air fhidheadh.
Location: Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
amsan: Quotation: “Tha na h-amsain dol do’n mhonadh agus na coilich dhubha dol do’n chuan.” Notes: this is what an experienced local fisherman said once when he heard that farm workers were getting a boat, he himself having come ashore. Amsan – solan goose.
Origin: Port Wemyss
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an: Quotation: “Nach e a tha beag an taiceadh ris an fhear ud.”
Origin: Assynt, Stoer
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an beò: [sic] ‘quick’ of nails.
Location: Na Hearadh [Harris], Horgabost
Category: Faireachdain / Senses
an achadh: the field.
Origin: Bràigh-Lochabar [Brae Lochaber]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
an adag: 78 [Haddock].
Location: Mull [see below for details]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an adha: liver. Chan eil ‘grùthan’ againn uair sam bith. Chan eil e idir againn.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
an aghaidh: prep. ‘against': + 3m. poss.: na ~ [-iç]
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
An Aidbhean: Advent.
Location: South Uist, Daliburgh
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
an aifeinn: [about a cow] usually on back with tether caught about the animal.
Origin: Barra
Category: Crodh / Cattle
An Aifreann: The Mass.
Location: South Uist, Daliburgh
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
an aigeal: grunn na mara.
Location: Na Hearadh [Harris], Cluer
Category: Cruth na Tìre / Landscape Features
an aileag: hiccup.
Location: Harris, Rodel
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an ainearaich: the stock pot.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
An ainm an Righ!: Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
An Aireann: Mass.
Origin: Barra
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
an airidh: I am not sure what or where this was. I heard this expression ‘Shuas air an airidh’. Could have been a boarding or platform among the rafters. [NOTES: the following comment added later at the bottom of the page.] Have discovered that the ‘airidh’ was not part of the dwelling house – it was a broad shelf or suspended loft in the barn.
Origin: Eileanaich [natives of Lewis]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
an aiseal: Axle.
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
An Altair: The altar.
Location: South Uist, Daliburgh
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
an amhuinn: the river. Taobh na h-amhna (pron. ‘háoona’) – riverside (Lochaber).
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an anachdar uasal: V.D.
Origin: Tiriodh [Tiree]
Category: Coltas an Duine / Personal Appearance
an annar: an imis = air ti [?] – about to.
Origin: [Strathglass]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an aon iorram: on the same activity.
Location: Harris, Leverburgh
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
An arc air an druim: Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
an ard-dorus: top cross piece or lintel. Cluinnidh luchagan an aird doruis e. – All will hear it.
Origin: Barra
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
an ath-chuir: the transplanting of cabbage (planted from seed).
Origin: Tiree
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
an cabar saoidh: sooty rafter.
Origin: Barra
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
an cachila: (English ‘l’) A gate contrived by slipping a thick stick or two through loops on each side of a wall or dyke.
Origin: Bràigh-Lochabar [Brae Lochaber]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
an cadha: am balla tarsuing eadar an ceann shìos is an ceann shuas.
Origin: Geàrrloch (Loch Iubh) [Gairloch (Loch Ewe)]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
an caisean uchd: the fat skin covering the point of the breast of a sheep. This was thumped very hard with the fist, the knife being held so that the handle protruded slightly, giving added hardness to the blow. The skin was then cut off with quite a portion of fat sticking to it, and a red hot cinder put inside, the whole being placed in the fire, where the wool was completely singed off and the ‘skin’ cooked. It was quite a succulent bite!
Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an calaman: the pigeon, dove.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an calg: ’Se seo a chanadh sinn ri beum-mullaich air tòrr arbhair [q.v.].

Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
An Canon: Canon.
Location: South Uist, Daliburgh
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
an caoigh: asthma.
Location: Harris, Kyles Stockinish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an caolan mor: large intestine.
Origin: Leodhas [Lewis], Uig
Category: Crodh / Cattle
an caolan mor: large intestine.
Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
an caolan mu’n cuairt: colon.
Origin: [Arran]
Category: Crodh / Cattle
an caoran: last peat taken out, were [sic] thrown onto the inside of the bank.

Location: Harris, Bernera
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
an caoran: third row of peat in the bog.
Origin: Harris, Bernera
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
an caoran: the last layer of peat; or the bottom layer, usually of less depth than the ones above it; generally hard and black. ‘Iarraidh an caoran-dubh a gharadh mu’n gar e fhein càch.’
Location: Cinntire, An Ceann a Deas [Kintyre, Southend by Campbeltown]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
an caoran: the last layer of peat, usually not the recognised depth of a ‘fàd’.

Origin: Leódhas, An Rudha [Lewis, Rudha]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
an caoran: Forfeits (party game).
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an caoran: Am fàd as ìsle ’s a’ pholl. (Ann am poll sam bith; 2, 3, 4 fòid no àireamh sam bith.)
Origin: [Lewis, Uig]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
an caoran: half peat when one reaches the hard – an aigeal.
Location: Lewis, Lochs, Leurbost
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
an caoran: Fàd iochdair a’ phuill, gu tric a’ tighinn bho’n chruadhlach. Gu tric cha bhi e so uiread ris a’ bharr-fhad no fàd a’ ghàrraidh.
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
an caoran: the lowest layer cut [from a peat bank].
Location: Harris, Tarbert
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
an caoran: am fàd ma dheireadh a thigeadh as ùrlar a phuill mu ruigiste an grinneal. Pronn, dubh, trom, doirbh a tiormachadh ach a mhòine a b’fhearr aon uair’s gun deach i air teine.
Origin: [Taransay]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
an caothran: Location: Na Hearadh, Gòbhaig [Harris, Gobhaig]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
an car cam: sturdy or gid (affecting the head).
Origin: [the questionnaire gives Ross and Cromarty but it is most probably meant as the county not origin]
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
an caraidh: referring to the movement of clouds. Could judge wind speeds according to this. “Ciamar a tha an caraidh an diugh.” [NOTES: note added in pencil: Eng. carry?]
Location: Barra, Ard Mhinish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an carbad: Origin: Geàrrloch (Loch Iubh) [Gairloch (Loch Ewe)]
Category: Bàs is Adhlacadh / Death and Burial
an carcair: the block of peat to be cut shorn of the surface turf.
Origin: Sgìre na Pàirc an Leódhas [Lewis, the Park district]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
an carcaire: sreath fhàdan air tarsuinn a’ phuill.
Origin: Borraraig [Skye, Boreraig]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
an carcaire: the part of the peat bank with the turf removed, i.e. the part to be cut.

Location: Cinntire, An Ceann a Deas [Kintyre, Southend by Campbeltown]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
an carcaire: the peat (riasg) exposed by the ‘feannadh’ [q.v.].
Location: Harris, Tarbert
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
An Cardinal: Cardinal.
Location: South Uist, Daliburgh
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
An Carghus: Lent.
Location: South Uist, Daliburgh
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
an ceaba: (cas-chrom) The iron point.
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
an ceangal: the fastening in the stall.
Origin: Bràigh-Lochabar [Brae Lochaber]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
an ceangal aice: rope round neck in stall.
Origin: Tiree
Category: Crodh / Cattle
an ceann: (of stack) Top of stack as it tapers.
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
an ceann agus am muinneil: the head and neck.
Origin: [Arran]
Category: Crodh / Cattle
an ceann agus am muinneil: the head and neck.
Origin: [Arran]
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
an ceann shios: the room.
Origin: Barra
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
an ceann shuas: kitchen.
Origin: Barra
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
an ceann simileir: chimney head.
Origin: Barra
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
an ceann-shìos: the ‘parlour’, the ‘other’ room, ‘ben the house’.
Origin: [Skye, Camus Chroise]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
an ceap: riasg – mu throigh air leud agus mu dhà throigh gu leth air fhad.
Origin: Borraraig [Skye, Boreraig]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
an ceap (E): Faic Ceap 9. Dwelly. ’Se suidheachan dèanta de chlachan (mar gàradh) agus sgrath mhór thiugh air muin sin a bh’ann. Agus is è a bhà comhfhurtail! ’Se ‘a’ chailleach’ a chanadh iad ris ann an ceàrnaidhean eile de an eilean.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
an cearban: shark.
Location: Cluer
Category: Maorach / Shellfish
an cearcall (m): iron tyres (hoop / ring).
Origin: Tiree
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
an ceathramh deireadh: hindquarter.
Origin: [Arran]
Category: Crodh / Cattle
an ceathramh deireadh: hindquarters.
Origin: [Arran]
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
an ceathramh deirich (dh): hindquarters.
Origin: Mull, Bunessan, Ardtun or Mull, Tobermory
Category: Crodh / Cattle
an ceathramh deiridh: hindquarters. Canadh sinn seo aithghearr: “an crutha deiridh”.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
an ceathramh gorm: braxy.
Location: North Uist, Scolpaig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an ceud bhainne: milk yielded after calving.
Origin: Tiree
Category: Crodh / Cattle
an ceum toisich: being ahead of your neighbours in doing work around the croft. “Na biodh an ceum toisich agad idir.”
Location: North Uist, Tigharry
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
An Ceusadh: The crucifix.
Location: South Uist, Daliburgh
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
An Ceusadh: Crucifix.
Location: South Uist, Daliburgh
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
an cidsin: some houses might qualify for this description for the main living-room. I don’t remember any other special name, unless ‘an ceann shuas’.
Origin: [Skye, Camus Chroise]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
an clachair: Location: Mull [see below for details]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an cladh: the graveyard.
Origin: Barra
Category: Bàs is Adhlacadh / Death and Burial
an claimhean: the bolt.
Origin: Eileanaich [natives of Lewis]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
an clap: Origin: Tiriodh [Tiree]
Category: Coltas an Duine / Personal Appearance
An Cleireach: The Server, Altar Boy.
Location: South Uist, Daliburgh
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
an cliabh fodair: some cows (as a result of bad habit) did not yield their milk without being given a small quantity of succulent grass, turnip leaves etc. This was carried to them in a creel. Dried backbones of fish, such as cod, also served the same purpose. This saved carrying ‘fodder’ when the cows were at the shielings miles away from the villages.
Origin: Leodhas [Lewis], Uig
Category: Crodh / Cattle
An cliabh:: Origin: Borraraig [Skye, Boreraig]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
an clàr: wooden tray for potatoes or fish.
Origin: Barra
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
an clàr fuinne: baking board.
Origin: Barra
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
an clàr-fuinnidh: the baking board.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
An Clèireach: Acolyte.
Location: South Uist, Daliburgh
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
An Clèireach: Altar Server.
Location: South Uist, Daliburgh
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
an clò (E) air a stampadh ann an tuba (I): Old method of washing or scouring the cloth.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Obair na Clòimhe / Wool-Working
an cnamh droma: backbone
Origin: [Arran]
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
an cnatan: the cough or cold.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an cnàimh-beag: Ankle bone.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an cnàmh-rionnach: horse-mackerel.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an cnòdan: gurnet.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an cochull (): [masc.] the sheath.
Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
an cogal a chridhe: he was frightened.
Location: Na Hearadh [Harris], Horgabost
Category: Faireachdain / Senses
An Coilear: Collar.
Location: South Uist, Daliburgh
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
an coimhead: watching that no sheep come in through the hill fence after the crops are sown.
Origin: Barra
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
an cois: Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
An Coisrigeadh: The Consecration.
Location: South Uist, Daliburgh
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
an colfhad: second peat (from the front).

Location: Harris, Bernera
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
an colfhad (cùl fhad): the first peat cut in the tier.
Origin: Harris, Bernera
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
An Comanachadh: Communion (Distribution and Reception of Sacrament).
Location: South Uist, Daliburgh
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
An Comanachadh: Holy Communion.
Origin: [Skye], Gleanndail [Glendale]
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
an comanachadh: the communion.
Origin: [Skye, Camus Chroise]
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
An Comhfhurtair: Origin: Barra
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
an comhnard: level ground. [NOTES: the last item in pencil and hardly visible; maybe it was meant to be erased like the one below it.]
Origin: Bràigh-Lochabar [Brae Lochaber]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
an comhnard: a flat piece of ground like a lawn.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an conaghail: where two sea currents meet.
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an conusg: the whin bush.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an conusg: the whin.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an corp: the body.
Origin: Barra
Category: Bàs is Adhlacadh / Death and Burial
an corr-fhad: Fàd a muigh a’ bharr-fhoid bho cheann gu earball a’ phuill. Bidh e so gu tric tioram, is feumaidh e a bhith air a ghearradh na’s tuighe no càch air an neo theid e ’na smùr.
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
an corr-fhad ( corr’ad): [pron.] the outermost peat of a ‘carcaill’ [q.v.] cut thick (esp. in ‘mòine dhubh’ [q.v.] because it has already undergone a year of weathering and tends to crumble if cut thin).

Origin: Leódhas, An Rudha [Lewis, Rudha]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
an corr-fhàd: Am fàd as fhaide a muigh ’s a’ charcaire (fàd aodann a’ phuill). (Fuaimnich mar corr’ad.)
Origin: [Lewis, Uig]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
an corrad (corr-fhàd): the outside or first peat cut in each layer.
Location: Harris, Tarbert
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
an corran: the sickle.
Origin: Bràigh-Lochabar [Brae Lochaber]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
an corran: the sickle.
Origin: Bràigh-Lochabar [Brae Lochaber]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
an corran: the sickle.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an corrod: the very fist peat cut. As it comes out of the face of the ‘carcaire’ [q.v.] the outside has been exposed to the elements since the last cutting the previous year. Consequently it is not so good and sometimes discarded (Tha e chòrr.)
Location: Cinntire, An Ceann a Deas [Kintyre, Southend by Campbeltown]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
an crann: a five starred constellation.
Location: South Uist, Daliburgh
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an crann: the plough.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an Crann: the Plough.
Origin: Mull, Tobermory
Category: Sìde / Weather
an Crann: the Plough.
Origin: Tiree
Category: Sìde / Weather
an crann beag: Wood and iron plough.
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
An Crann Ceusaidh: Crucifix.
Location: South Uist, Daliburgh
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
an crann mor: All iron (Lowland) plough – required two horses.
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
an crann-aodaich: (often known merely as ‘an crann’) – the spool on which the finished cloth goes.
Location: Harris, Ardhasaig
Category: Obair na Clòimhe / Wool-Working
an creagan: this is the name applied to a particularly rocky part of a croft.
Location: South Uist, Iochdar, Ardivachar
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an creideamh Caitligeach: (& an E. [Eaglais] Ch.)
Origin: Barra
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
an creideamh Pròstanach: Origin: Barra
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
an creideamh saor: (& an E. [Eaglais] Sh.)
Origin: Barra
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
an cridhe: heart.
Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
AN CRIDHE: Location: Na Hearadh, Gòbhaig [Harris, Gobhaig]
Category: Faireachdain / Senses
AN CRIDHE: Location: Na Hearadh [Harris], Horgabost
Category: Faireachdain / Senses
an cridhe: heart.
Origin: [Arran]
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
AN CRIDHE - Faclan aig a bheil bointeanas sam bith ri fearg, eagal, gaol, miann, gràin agus mar sin air adhart: Origin: Tiriodh [Tiree]
Category: Faireachdain / Senses
an cridhe, cridhe: heart.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
An Crios: Cinture.
Location: South Uist, Daliburgh
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
an crios bruinne: mar san dealbh.
Origin: [Barra]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
an crochadh ris: dependent; dependent on him.
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an crodh: Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an crodh dùbh: the hardy small black cattle of the Highlands, Kyloes. Hebrides 1700-1850.
Location: Lewis, Arnol
Category: Crodh / Cattle
an cruadhach: the term applied to the seeds once they had dried.
Location: South Uist, South Glendale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an cruban ( an crùban): [pron.] B’ e seo galair a bhiodh a’ tighinn air crodh Gàidhealach (no smait air crodh sam bith) le a bhith air droch fheur, droch muis [?] ’s mar sin, agus le cus deoghail a bhith air a dheanamh orra leis an laogh. ’S ann deireadh an t-samhraidh agus as t-fhoghar a bhiodh an galair-sa an cumantas. Chan fhaca mise an galair-sa a riamh agus cha chuala, ach tha lorg agam gu robh a leithid sin.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Crodh / Cattle
an crudha deiridh: hindquarters.
Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
an cruinneachadh: when the butter and whey separated.
Location: North Uist, Iollathraigh [Illeray]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
An Cruithear: Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
An Cruithear: Cruithear an Fhàsaich.
Origin: [the questionnaire gives Ross-shire but it is most probably meant as the county not origin]
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
an crutha deiridh: hindquarters.
Location: Na Hearadh, Gòbhaig [Harris, Gobhaig]
Category: Crodh / Cattle
An Cruthadair: Origin: Barra
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
an crò: the stall.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an crò, na cròthan: the stall, the stalls.
Origin: Bràigh-Lochabar [Brae Lochaber]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
An Cuan Hiortach (E): [See Lèana Mhór Hiort.] Cuideachd, chanadh iad “An Cuan Hiortach”. “Anns a’ Chuan Hiortach.” [NOTES: slipped under ‘cuan’ with ‘An Cuan Hiortach’ as the quotation. Definition: The sea between St Kilda and the mainland of Lewis and Harris where they used to fish.]
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
an cudaige, an saoidhean, an t-umhcas: Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an cuilean: Tha a’ mhoine phronn, agus a’ mhoine nach do ghabh a’ chruach mhór air an stéidheadh ann an cruaich bhig mar ‘lean-to’ ris a’ chruaich mhóir. ’Se an cuilean a chanar ris a’ chruaich bhig so.
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
an cul: for grazing.
Origin: Ross and Cromarty, Lewis
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
an cura: ‘Weaving’ of creel.
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
an curan: the carrot.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an curan: the carrot.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
An cutadh: Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
an càise: cheese.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an càl: the cabbage.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an còmhnard: a piece of flat ground like a lawn.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an còneachadh: a mental illness suffered by dogs which had a maddening effect on dogs. Liable to attack anyone. [NOTES: note added above ‘còneachadh’ – con(a)chadh.]
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an cùlaist: againne an rùm a b’fheàrr.
Origin: Geàrrloch (Loch Iubh) [Gairloch (Loch Ewe)]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
an cùlan: Passage connecting dwelling-house to barn.
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
an dail: the field.
Origin: Bràigh-Lochabar [Brae Lochaber]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
an dair: cow on heat.
Location: Na Hearadh, Gòbhaig [Harris, Gobhaig]
Category: Crodh / Cattle
an dalag gharbh: Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an dalag mhìn: Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an dalladh: blindness.
Origin: Barra
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
an dalladh: blindness.
Origin: Ross of Mull
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
an dallan-dé: the butterfly.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an dallan-dé: the butterfly.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an daol: Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
an daorach: the “drink”. “Tha e fo’n daoraich.”
Location: [Harris], Leverburgh, Kintulavaig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an dara fad: Origin: Sgìre na Pàirc an Leódhas [Lewis, the Park district]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
an dara fàd: second one to be cut, was made into a ‘garradh’ [q.v.].

Location: Harris, Bernera
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
an dara fàd: the peats in the second layer.
Location: Lewis, Lochs, Leurbost
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
an dara fàd: the 2nd layer [of peat cut from a peat bank].
Location: Harris, Tarbert
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
An Darna Leughadh: Second Reading.
Location: South Uist, Daliburgh
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
An Darna Pearsa: Origin: Barra
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
an deach i an darna taobh: Did she give birth?
Location: South Uist, Iochdar, Baile Gharbhaidh [Balgarva]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
An deach i an darna taobh: this term used regarding an expectant mother.
Location: South Uist, Daliburgh
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an deal déirce: the poor deprived person.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
An Deamhan: Satan.
Origin: Barra
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
an dearagan: XXIII 3 beard [Three-bearded] rockling.
Location: Mull [see below for details]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an dearcag: a bhiodh aig an feadhainn romhainne airson ball an iomain.
Origin: Leodhas [Lewis], Uig
Category: Cur-seachadan: Dèideagan, Geamaichean is Farpaisean / Recreation: Toys, Games, Contests
an deecon: (The ‘d’ sound coming after ‘n’ disappears and the ‘t’ sound after ‘n’ becomes softened into ‘d’. This is always the case in Uig, Lewis.)
Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
an deecon’s coort: Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
an deidh: ice.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an deidh: Quotation: [dʹẹuʔinʹ]. Notes: after.
Location: Mull
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
An deireadh no An màs: So far an cuir thu fon an t-sreang bonnach le im agus botul bainne air do shlighe chun a’ chladaich gu bhith agad ma thig an t-acras ort a muigh – mar as tric a thig. So cuideachd far an cuir thu crùbag, no creachan no beathach eisg annasach a thig air do lion beag fhein a bhios tu airson a thoirt dhachaidh leat.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
An Deise Dhubh: Black suit, clerical suit.
Location: South Uist, Daliburgh
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
an deoch ga dhalladh: Location: Na Hearadh [Harris], Horgabost
Category: Faireachdain / Senses
An deomhan gu spad thu.: May the devil finish you.
Origin: Barra
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
An Deucon: Deacon.
Location: South Uist, Daliburgh
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
an deudadh: toothache; healed by putting hot salt onto cheek, also by putting a piece of tobacco onto tooth.
Location: Harris, Rodel
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an deòmhan: Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an Diabhol: Origin: [Skye, Camus Chroise]
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
An Diabhol: Satan.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
an diabhol: Satan.
Location: Arran, Pirnmill
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
an Diabhul: Satan.
Origin: [Skye], Gleanndail [Glendale]
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
an diabhull: Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an diaoull: Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
an dile bhaite: very heavy rain.
Location: Na Hearadh, Gòbhaig [Harris, Gobhaig]
Category: Sìde / Weather
An Diobhall: Satan.
Origin: Barra
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
An diobhall gad ithe.: May the devil devour you.
Origin: Barra
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
an diogladh: a variant form of ‘giogladh’ meaning to tickle.
Location: South Uist, Stoneybridge
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an dlùth: warp.
Origin: [Arran]
Category: Obair na Clòimhe / Wool-Working
An do bhleoghain thu bho?: Origin: Barra
Category: Crodh / Cattle
An do ghlan i?: Origin: Ross of Mull
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
An do mhoglaich e?: Has it enmeshed?
Origin: Barra
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
An do rinn thu ’n eadradh?: Origin: Barra
Category: Crodh / Cattle
an doile: blindness.
Location: Lewis, Arnol
Category: Crodh / Cattle
an doille (): [fem.] blindness, the eye turning whitish, opaque.
Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
an dolas: Satan.
Location: Arran, Pirnmill
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
an donas: Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
An Donas: Satan.
Origin: Barra
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
an Donas: Satan.
Origin: [Skye], Gleanndail [Glendale]
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
An Donas: “Bugair an Donais”
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
an donas: Satan.
Location: Arran, Pirnmill
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
an dooker: Da ainm mar a bha mi ag ràdh roimhe airson gnothaichean iasgaich. An dooker. Am plocan. [q.v.] Airson a’ cheud fhir, ’se “an diùcair” a th’aig Dwelly. Ach ’se “an dooker” a th’againne, agus chanainn gur h-ann bho Chòrsa-an-Ear a thàinig an t-ainm. Tha Dòmhnall Iain ag ràdh gur h-e “an dunker” a th’aca-san air.
Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an dorn: (part of spaid) Hand grip. [NOTES: spelled ‘dòrn’ on the slip.] [NOTES: added later]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
an dorus: the door.
Origin: Bràigh-Lochabar [Brae Lochaber]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
an dorus a stigh: inner door.
Origin: Barra
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
an dorus am muigh: Bha aon dorus air an taigh – sin air an taobh am muigh, ris an canamaid an dorus a [sic] muigh. Bha da ludagan iarainn air. 1. [refers to the illustration] toll airson na srang.

Origin: [Harris? – cf. ‘Taigh Croitear anns na Hearadh – an taigh anns an do rugadh mi.’]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
an dorus mór: the main door as opposed to the back door which led into the barn and was called ‘dorus an t-sabhail’.
Origin: Eileanaich [natives of Lewis]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
an dorus mór: the main door.
Location: [Lewis], Siabost
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
an dorus-beag: The inside door of living room.
Origin: Skye
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
an dorus-mór: The main door of a house.
Origin: Skye
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
an dosan: a fringe of hair on the forehead.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an dosan: the fringe of short hair on the forehead.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an dreallag: the swing.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an dreasair: (in living room) The dresser, the high back of which held various dishes: plates, bowls, cups and saucers, stood against the other wall (of living room) opposite ‘séis’ [q.v.]. At one end of the dresser there was a table, at the other end two barrels, one of which held oatmeal and the other flour.
Origin: Skye
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
an dreel (f): potatoes in drill.
Location: [Arran? see the comment under 3]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
an driuthach: whooping cough.
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an driuthach: whooping cough. Mare’s milk used as a cure for this. Urine was applied to cold sores.
Location: South Uist, Smerclete
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an droch ait: Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
An droch aite: Hell.
Origin: Barra
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
an droch fhear: Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
An Droch Fhear: Satan.
Origin: Barra
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
an droch shuil: Location: Na Hearadh, Gòbhaig [Harris, Gobhaig]
Category: Faireachdain / Senses
an droch shùil: the evil eye.
Location: [Harris], Leverburgh, Kintulavaig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an droch shùil: in connection with the ‘snàthla’. Another phrase for ‘gonadh’ – to be cast under a spell.
Location: South Uist, Stilligarry
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
An Droch Spiorad: Satan.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
an droch-aon: Satan.
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an Droch-fhear: Origin: [Skye, Camus Chroise]
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
an drochd fhasg ort: a desire to give someone a ticking off due to having committed some trivial but annoying offence. [NOTES: ‘fhasg’ corrected to ‘fhàsg’.]
Location: South Uist, Geirinish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an dromairt: lumbago.
Origin: ‘Islay connections’
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an dronag: Origin: Leódhas, An Rudha [Lewis, Rudha]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
an druim: the heavier rope at the bottom of a net.
Location: South Uist, Iochdar, Baile Gharbhaidh [Balgarva]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an druim: backbone.
Origin: [Barra]
Category: Crodh / Cattle
an druim: The main bar of plough into which the share was inserted.
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
an druim: first two furrows when starting to plough, face to face. Dheanadh iad druim le chéile. Daonnan nuair a bhiodh tu a’ treabhadh.
Origin: Tiree
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
an druim: Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an druim: Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an druim iochdar: Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an druime gu h-àrd: Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an druime tarra?: (Kishorn, Lochcarron)
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an Duan Mór: Atlantic Ocean.
Location: Glen Lyon
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an dubh liath: pancreas.
Origin: [Arran]
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
an dubh-liath: pancreas (?).
Origin: [Skye, Camus Chroise]
Category: Crodh / Cattle
an dubh-liath: spleen.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
an dubhad: an treas fàd.
Origin: Borraraig [Skye, Boreraig]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
an dubhadh: Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
an dubhadh: Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
an dubhadh: Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
An dubhan: Tha an dubhan air a réileadh ri ceann na snòta.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
an dubhan: Origin: Geàrrloch (Loch Iubh) [Gairloch (Loch Ewe)]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
an dubh’-chall: “C’àit a nise an deacha tu?” “C’àit an deacha ach do an dubh’-chall.” – Lost. Well lost (a thing).
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an duine deàrrsach: An t-ainm a tha aca ann an Gabhsunn air crùbag mhor a tha am feabhas mhath.
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness, Lionel
Category: Maorach / Shellfish
an duin’-iarainn: line-hauler.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an dun: ’So a chanas tu ris an tiùrr mhór mhonach a bhios aig an rathad deiseil gus a’ toirt dhachaidh leis an làraidh.
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
an dà shealladh: Location: Na Hearadh, Gòbhaig [Harris, Gobhaig]
Category: Faireachdain / Senses
an dàorach: an deoch.
Location: Na Hearadh [Harris], Horgabost
Category: Faireachdain / Senses
an dàrna fàd: An ath fhad sìos ’s a’ pholl.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
an dìol-uisge: Origin: Mull, Tobermory
Category: Sìde / Weather
an dòrnag: ’S ann a bha seo aca mar ainm [airson ‘the shot-putt’?] bho’n taobh a muigh.
Origin: Leodhas [Lewis], Uig
Category: Cur-seachadan: Dèideagan, Geamaichean is Farpaisean / Recreation: Toys, Games, Contests
an dùn: innear a chruidh is salachar sam bith eile.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an dùnadh: wooden supports at a boat’s stern.
Location: North Uist, Grimsay, Ceannaraigh
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an dúc bhuntata: the potato pit. The potatoes were arranged in this form on the field insulated with straw and covered with a thick layer of soil.

Origin: Bràigh-Lochabar [Brae Lochaber]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
an dún: the midden.
Origin: Bràigh-Lochabar [Brae Lochaber]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
an eabar: mud or a muddy spot.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an eadradh: [milking.]
Location: Na Hearadh, Gòbhaig [Harris, Gobhaig]
Category: Crodh / Cattle
An Eaglais Déit: Est. Church.
Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
An eaglais eile: Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
An Eaglais Mhór: An Eaglais Stéidhichte, Eaglais Bhaile na Cille.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
An Eaglais Phapanach: Roman Catholic Church.
Origin: [the questionnaire gives Ross-shire but it is most probably meant as the county not origin]
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
An Eaglais Phàpanach: R. Catholic.
Origin: [Skye], Gleanndail [Glendale]
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
An Eaglais Phàpanach: The R C Church.
Origin: [Skye, Camus Chroise]
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
An Eaglais Shaor: Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
An Eaglais Shaor: F. C. of S. (Am ministear.)
Origin: [Skye], Gleanndail [Glendale]
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
An Eaglais Shaor: The Free Church.
Origin: [Skye, Camus Chroise]
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
An Eaglais Shaor: Location: Arran, Pirnmill
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
An Eaglais Shaor: The Free Church of Scotland.
Origin: [the questionnaire gives Ross-shire but it is most probably meant as the county not origin]
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
An Eaglais Shaor Aonaichte: Location: Arran, Pirnmill
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
an Eaglais Shasainn: (not an creideamh Sasainn)
Origin: Barra
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
An Eaglais Shasunnach: Anglican Church.
Origin: [Skye], Gleanndail [Glendale]
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
An Eaglais Shuidhichte na Eaglais na h-Alba: Location: Arran, Pirnmill
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
An Eaglais Stéi(dhich)te: The Established Church.
Origin: [Skye, Camus Chroise]
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
An Eaglais Stéidhichte: (pronounced Stéite) C. of S. (An cléireach.)
Origin: [Skye], Gleanndail [Glendale]
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
An Eaglais Stéidhichte: B’e seo an Established Church. Agus mar a th’agam air an taobh eile, ’s ann riutha seo a chanadh sinn Na Moderats. Ach bho 1929 chan eil an t-ainm tric ’ga chleachdadh. Ach cho fad’s is aithne dhomh, tha e beò fhathast.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
an eala: Location: Mull [see below for details]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an eala: Location: Mull [see below for details]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an earalas: Quotation: An earalas gun deanadh iad fuaim. Notes: in case.
Origin: Islay, Ballygrant
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an earg: wild duck.
Location: Cluer
Category: Maorach / Shellfish
an earna: red water.
Origin: Geàrrloch [Gairloch]
Category: Crodh / Cattle
an earradhubh: when the moon begins to darken.
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an earrarais: the day after the day after tomorrow.
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an easgan: [sic] XXII common eel.
Location: Mull [see below for details]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an easgann dubh: XXII conger eel.
Location: Mull [see below for details]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an eirthir: the day after tomorrow.
Location: South Uist, Iochdar, Baile Gharbhaidh [Balgarva]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an farslaman: eadar an druim ’s an dubhan.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an fhad bhàn, na bàrr-fhad: Location: Na Hearadh, Gòbhaig [Harris, Gobhaig]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
an fhad dhubh: Location: Na Hearadh, Gòbhaig [Harris, Gobhaig]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
an fhaire chlaidh: a guard posted at a cemetery when bodies were being stolen.
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
An Fhalluinn Uachdarach: Chasuble.
Location: South Uist, Daliburgh
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
an fheadag: Location: Mull [see below for details]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an fheadhainn mhóra: Na guidheachan.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an fheamain bhuidhe: [sic] bolgan orra is plodadh i.
Location: [Mull], Tobermory
Category: Maorach / Shellfish
an fheamain bhuidhe: XXXII knotted wrack.
Location: Mull [see below for details]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an fheamainn bhuidhe: [ɲɛ̃mĩɲ vu̜i]
Location: North Argyll
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an fheamainn dhubh: a’ chuir air fearann, tha i goirid + sinks [?].
Location: [Mull], Tobermory
Category: Maorach / Shellfish
an fheamainn dubh: Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an fheannag: [ɲ ɑ̟̃n̪ɑ̟ɡ] hoodie-crow.
Location: North Argyll
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an fheanndag: nettle. Disease: rheumatics. How prepared: sting part affected.
Origin: [Barra]
Category: Blàthan-Leighis / Medicinal Plants
an fheanntach: the turf removed.
Location: An t-Eilean Sgiathanach, Portrigh [Skye, Portree]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
an fhearas mhór: conceited person.
Location: South Uist, Stilligarry
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an fhearna: elder.
Location: Mull [see below for details]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an fheitheamh od: that waiting. When someone waits and expecting [sic] for some unwanted act or movement to happen... ‘After term’… denoting suspense...
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an fheòil-mhór: Indian Mess Beef. Bhiodh i tighinn dhachaidh ann am baraillean. Agus is i a bhà math!
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an fhighe: Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
an fhorc: cramp.
Location: South Uist, Lochcarnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an fhuilim: in hand.
Category: Eathraichean / Boats
an fhuilm: a bit of wood found at a boat’s helm. About two feet long and used for steering.
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an fhíor othisg: othisg le uan, giving birth within a year, first year of its life.
Location: [Lewis], Arnol
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
An gabh thu air: Location: Leodhas [Lewis], an taobh siar
Category: Cur-seachadan: Dèideagan, Geamaichean is Farpaisean / Recreation: Toys, Games, Contests
an gad-droma: [masc.] the top beam to which the joists were fixed.
Origin: Eileanaich [natives of Lewis]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
an gaiseadh: Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
an gaiseadh: Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
an galair tiormachaidh: Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
an galar-sploiceadh: mumps.
Origin: Tiriodh [Tiree]
Category: Coltas an Duine / Personal Appearance
an gamhainn: Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an gaor: excrement left in an animal’s intestines once it has been slaughtered. [NOTES: corrected to ‘an gaorr’.]
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an garbhanach: Jerusalem haddie.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an gath muig: the topmost part of a horse’s mane.
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an geadha: (a’ chroinn) “Semi-circular?” piece (of plough) to which, in some ploughs, the sock is attached – instead of on to “bonn”.
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
an gearr: a speckled grey bird with a red beak seen on croft land. [NOTES: corrected to ‘an geàrr’.]
Location: South Uist, Kildonan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an geata: the gate.
Origin: Bràigh-Lochabar [Brae Lochaber]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
an giada (f): potatoes in lazy bed.
Location: [Arran? see the comment under 3]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
an gilbeirneach: the curlew.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an giulan: the funeral procession.
Origin: Barra
Category: Bàs is Adhlacadh / Death and Burial
an giurnaileir: meal chest.
Origin: Barra
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
an giuthas: from the peat bog.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an giùlan: an carbad agus an luchd-giùlain. A’ dol a steach geata a’ chlaidh rachadh daoine a bhuineadh dha fo’n ghiùlan.
Origin: Geàrrloch (Loch Iubh) [Gairloch (Loch Ewe)]
Category: Bàs is Adhlacadh / Death and Burial
an glaothan (): [masc.] the heap now takes shape – an elongated oval – the length and width of the intended stack. Where the peats are of mixed quality, all the black and brittle and broken stuff are heaped into this core of the stack.
Origin: Eileanaich [natives of Lewis]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
an glas: the lock.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
An Gloir do Dhia: The Gloria.
Location: South Uist, Daliburgh
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
An Gloria: The Gloria.
Location: South Uist, Daliburgh
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
an glutadh: [masc.] the earthen filling in between the inner and outer walls.
Origin: Eileanaich [natives of Lewis]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
an glutadh: stuffing between wall [sic]. Chan’eil e muigh ’s chan’eil e stigh ’s cha tig an tigh as aonais. – toimhseachan.
Origin: Barra
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
an glutranadh (Berneray): [See an glutadh]
Origin: Eileanaich [natives of Lewis]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
an glòdhan (clòdhan): the latch.
Origin: Barra
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
an glùpad: fluke.
Location: North Uist, Grimsay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an gob: the beak of a bird.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an gocair: am fear d’am b’obair a bhith toirt an éisg de’n dubhan mar a bhathas a’ tarruing. (Droch obair air fhàgail air fear-easgaidh.) [NOTES: slipped under ‘gocair’ with ‘an gocair’ as the quotation.]
Origin: Geàrrloch (Loch Iubh) [Gairloch (Loch Ewe)]
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
an gorman: a small flat grassy space free of weeds and other growth. Suitable for children to play chucks.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an gorman: a small flat grassy place, say, for playing chucks.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an grapa mór: The ‘loader’ on a tractor. [NOTES: spelled ‘gràpa mór’ on the slip.]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
an greim mòr: appendicitis.
Location: Harris, Rodel
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an Griaglachan: the Pleiades.
Origin: Tiree
Category: Sìde / Weather
an grinneal: am morghan nan greabhal a ruigear nuair a theirgeas a mhòine.
Origin: [Taransay]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
an grioglachan: a seven starred constellation.
Location: South Uist, Daliburgh
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an grioglachan [sic]: Milky Way.
Origin: [Note: From North Uist, information from Alex O’Henley / RÓM 4 Dec 2023]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an grudh: croudy [sic].
Origin: Bràigh-Lochabar [Brae Lochaber]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
an grudh: the croudy.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an gruidheam: croudy [sic].
Origin: Bràigh-Lochabar [Brae Lochaber]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
an gruidheam: the croudy.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an grunnad: an dara fàd.
Origin: Borraraig [Skye, Boreraig]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
an grunnd: the fishing ground.
Origin: Barra
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
an gruth: crowdy.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an gruthan: liver.
Origin: [Arran]
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
an grìomhadh: the outside ‘wall’ so build [sic].
Location: Harris, Tarbert
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
an gulabarneach: Location: Mull [see below for details]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an gàileach ribeach: large warts on gums. Cut in two and bled to cure.
Origin: Barra
Category: Crodh / Cattle
an gàilleach: the swelling of the cud inside a cow’s mouth. [NOTES: ‘an’ put in brackets.]
Location: South Uist, West Kilbride
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an gàradh: second tier of peat in the bog.
Origin: Harris, Bernera
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
an gàradh uinneagach: nuair a bhios an sgaoilteach ro bheag bithear a’ deanamh gàradh air na fàdan agus uinneagan eatorra.
Origin: Borraraig [Skye, Boreraig]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
an gèadh: Sgioladh eadar na màsan (aig duine).
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
An Gèop: Moray Firth.
Location: Skye
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an iar air: if it came up his back.
Location: Skye, Bernisdale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an iarunn: the iron blade. [See tairsgeir.]
Location: Lewis, Carloway
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
an iarunn: [See taraisgeir.]
Origin: Leódhas, An Rudha [Lewis, Rudha]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
an impis: in danger of doing something as in “Bha iad an impis a cainnt ’sa suim a chall.” Some people do not pronounce the ‘p’ and therefore it sounds like ‘immis’.
Location: South Uist, Stilligarry
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an innear: the manure.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
An Iobairt Naomh: The Holy Sacrifice (of the Mass).
Location: South Uist, Daliburgh
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
an iodhlann: the space fenced off for hay and corn stacks.
Origin: Bràigh-Lochabar [Brae Lochaber]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
an iol-lann: the stackyard.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an iolaire: Location: Mull [see below for details]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an iomaire: a field (?) in the run-rig system.
Origin: Bràigh-Lochabar [Brae Lochaber]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
an iomlaid: (cas-chrom) Crook or angle of lamhcharan (shaft).
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
an ion ’s a bhith: on the point of.
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an iris: (f) The carrying rope.
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
an it-itheach: gullet.
Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an ithris ( ee-reesh): [pron.]

Origin: Leódhas, An Rudha [Lewis, Rudha]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
an iuchair: eggs.
Location: Harris, Kyles Stockinish
Category: Iasgach a’ Ghiomaich / Lobster-Fishing
an lagh: tyranny.
Location: Skye
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an lamhcharan: (cas-chrom) Shaft.
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
an laogh: Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
An Laoidh: The Hymn.
Location: South Uist, Daliburgh
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
an leabhar: equivalent of ‘currachda righ’ in sheep. This was the name given to the pleated intestine of cattle.
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an leamhan: the elm tree.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an leatran (m): [?] elders’ enclosure.
Origin: [Skye, Camus Chroise]
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
an leth-pheighinn: a small grazing area in Lochaber.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
An Leughadair: Lector/Reader.
Location: South Uist, Daliburgh
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
An Leughadair: The Reader.
Location: South Uist, Daliburgh
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
an leumadair: dolphin.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
An Liath Bhalaidh: believed to be the name of the coracle that took Columba to Iona.
Location: Skye
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an lobhta: the loft (upper space or room).
Origin: [Skye, Camus Chroise]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
an loch teine: Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
an logais: Anns a’ chrìochnachadh air an litir-sa tha mi togail nì beag mu iasgach an lìn-mhóir air na grunndan iasgaich a dh’ainmich mi, có dhiù eadar taobh siar Leòdhais agus Hiort. An Logais. B’e an logais creutar a bhiodh a’ milleadh an eisg orra air na dubhanan. Bhiodh an t-iasg air a ithe suas fo a chraicionn agus gun móran coltais millidh bho’n taobh muigh. Dh’fhaodadh sibh seo a thogail ris an Roinn Scientific aig an Oil-thigh ach dé am beachd a bhiodh aca air.
Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an luachar: the rushes.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an luchd faire: The wake folk, usually men who were neighbours of the dead, although there were several women present also who provided and served meals as there was feasting going on through the night. This has practically ceased and feasting has given place to a religious service, reading of scripture, singing of Psalms and prayers, each night as long as the dead body is in the house. [NOTES: slipped under ‘luchd faire’. Definition: The wake folk. (See Quest.)]
Origin: Skye
Category: Bàs is Adhlacadh / Death and Burial
AN LÀMH: Location: Na Hearadh, Gòbhaig [Harris, Gobhaig]
Category: Faireachdain / Senses
AN LÀMH: Location: Na Hearadh [Harris], Horgabost
Category: Faireachdain / Senses
AN LÀMH - Buillean air duine no leanabh, suathadh, ‘press’, ‘caress’ is mar sin: Origin: Tiriodh [Tiree]
Category: Faireachdain / Senses
an làmh rithe: handfeeding. B’e seo a bhith toirt cuideachadh do an bheathach le biathachadh a muigh a thuilleadh air na bha i-fhéin a’ cosnadh.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
an neas: [jɛ:s] weasel. [NOTES: slipped under ‘neas’. Pronunciation: [ən nʹes].]
Origin: Kill-Fhinn
Category: Crodh / Cattle
an ni a dh’fhalbhas chan e a dh’fhòghnas: refers to old traditions and says that despite the pleasure they gave, we need to move with the times and not to become too nostalgic.
Location: South Uist, Lochcarnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
An Nollaig: Christmas.
Location: South Uist, Daliburgh
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
An Nàmhaid: Satan.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
an nèab: the turnip.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an nèaba: ‘turnip’.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
An Oifis: The Office, The Breviary.
Location: South Uist, Daliburgh
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
An Oifis Bheag: The Officium Parvulum.
Location: South Uist, Daliburgh
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
an oigh bheanacht: Origin: [in the card index: Islay, Ballygrant] [the questionnaire gives Earraghaidhiell but it is most probably meant as the county not origin]
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
An Oigh Bheannaichte Moire: The Blessed Virgin.
Location: Arran, Pirnmill
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
An Oighe Muire: The Blessed Virgin.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
an oighreachd: the estate on Tiree (uaireanan).
Origin: Tiree
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
an oitir: Origin: [Skye, Camus Chroise]
Category: Maorach / Shellfish
an oolag (of meal): mouthful of.
Location: Inverness
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an rasal mór: Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
an ratha dorcha: dark quarter, no moon.
Location: Tiree
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an rathad mór: main road.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an Reachdaireas: for the Parliament.
Location: Benbecula, Muir of Aird
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an reothadh dubh: black ice on roads.
Location: Na Hearadh, Gòbhaig [Harris, Gobhaig]
Category: Sìde / Weather
An Riabhach: Satan.
Origin: Barra
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
an Riabhach: Satan.
Origin: [Skye], Gleanndail [Glendale]
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
An Riabhach: “Mac an Riabhaich”
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
an roighneas: Pl. -an. Reins.
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
An Roimh-radh: The Preface.
Location: South Uist, Daliburgh
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
an roth: wheel.
Location: [Arran? see the comment under 3]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
an ruadh: udder infection.
Origin: Barra
Category: Crodh / Cattle
an ruaidh: hard udder at calving (mastitis). [NOTES: slipped under ‘ruaidh’ with ‘an ruaidh’ as the quotation.]
Origin: Kill-Fhinn
Category: Crodh / Cattle
An Ruaraidh a dh’fhalbh ’se thill: no change in personality despite his absence from native area.
Location: Barra, Eoligarry
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an ruith: diarrhoea.
Location: Harris, Rodel
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an ruith fhuail: diabetes.
Origin: ‘Islay connections’
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an rum: [See an ceann-shìos]
Origin: [Skye, Camus Chroise]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
an ràcan (maide): the rake.
Origin: Bràigh-Lochabar [Brae Lochaber]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
an ròbin, bru dearg: Location: Mull [see below for details]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an rùm: the room.
Origin: Barra
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
an rùsgadh: turfing (removing top layer of peat attached to sward).
Origin: Leódhas, An Rudha [Lewis, Rudha]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
an sabhal: the barn.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an sabhull: the barn.
Origin: Bràigh-Lochabar [Brae Lochaber]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
an sac: Origin: [Barra]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
An Sagart: Priest.
Location: South Uist, Daliburgh
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
an scuit: an tè dheiridh.
Location: Na Hearadh, Gòbhaig [Harris, Gobhaig]
Category: Eathraichean / Boats
an seabhag: the hawk.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an seanadh: Origin: [Skye], Gleanndail [Glendale]
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
an searrach: the foal.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
An Seinneadair: The Cantor.
Location: South Uist, Daliburgh
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
an seisean: Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
an seisean: Origin: [Skye], Gleanndail [Glendale]
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
an seisean: the session.
Origin: [Skye, Camus Chroise]
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
an Seisean: Kirk session.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
an sgaoilteach: the dry bed (uachdar a phoill).
Origin: Sgìre na Pàirc an Leódhas [Lewis, the Park district]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
an sgaoilteach: far am bithear a’ sgaoileadh a mach na mòna airson a tiormachadh – seachd ’nan sreathan a ceann a chéile.
Origin: Borraraig [Skye, Boreraig]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
an sgarr: this describes the line between two furrows; the space between each furrow as they fall over each other. The seed would only grow here to its full potential. [NOTES: ‘sgarr’ corrected to ‘sgar’.]
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an sgian: [See taraisgeir.]
Origin: Leódhas, An Rudha [Lewis, Rudha]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
an sgian: cutting implement in mower of binder.
Origin: Tiree
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
an sgian mhór: the carving knife.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an sgoil fhuaghail: in my mother’s day it was customary for girls to go to a sewing school in Fort William.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an sgoor: [pron.] diarrhoea. [NOTES: ‘animals’ added in second hand (most probably the fieldworker). Slipped under ‘sgùr’ with ‘an sgùr’ as the quotation. Definition: Diarrhoea in animals.]
Origin: Kill-Fhinn
Category: Crodh / Cattle
an sgrath (I): Bhithist a’ gearradh sgrath, fàd na spàide air thiuighead bharr na h-uaghach. Bha maide cruinn air a chur am broinn na sgratha agus an sgrath air a rolaigeadh gu casan na h-uaghach. Nuair a bha a h-uile cùis deiseil bha an sgrath air a rolaigeadh air ais agus an uaigh air a crìochnachadh ’s air gabhail aice. [NOTES: slipped under ‘sgrath (fem)’.]
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Bàs is Adhlacadh / Death and Burial
an sgríodan: the scree.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an sguite / sgut: Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
An Sgìr Easbuig: Diocese.
Location: South Uist, Daliburgh
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
an sgòrnan: trachea (windpipe).
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
an simileir: the chimney.
Origin: Barra
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
an sin: advb ‘then’: rachadh an sin tè dhiubh suas
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
an siolachan: the sieve.
Origin: Bràigh-Lochabar [Brae Lochaber]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
an slaman: curds.
Origin: Bràigh-Lochabar [Brae Lochaber]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
an slaman: cabbage like bag air a’ mhuir traigh.
Location: [Mull], Tobermory
Category: Maorach / Shellfish
An Slanaighear: Jesus Christ.
Location: Arran, Pirnmill
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
an sluagh: This refers to a belief, not common nowadays, which people observed. It referred to the souls of the deceased rising from their graves in the dead of night, between twelve midnight and three in the morning. Apparently they visited their former dwellings. Moreover and also anyone who was walking at this time of morning bore this in mind and it was the custom to warn such a person that these souls could uplift him whilst on his journey. The phrase “Feuch na glac an sluagh thu” reflects this belief. Unlike the fairies these souls would return you to the original lifting point by three in the morning.
Location: South Uist, Peninerine
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an Slànuighir: Origin: [Skye, Camus Chroise]
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
an smeachan: (cas-chrom) Foot peg.
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
an smeachan: foot piece. [See taraisgeir.]
Origin: Leódhas, An Rudha [Lewis, Rudha]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
an smior-cailleach: spinal cord
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
an snath-cuire: weft.
Origin: [Arran]
Category: Obair na Clòimhe / Wool-Working
an snàth beartachdainn: tying on the ropes.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an soc: (cas-chrom) Iron or cutting part.
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
an soc: the front part of the scythe.
Origin: Bràigh-Lochabar [Brae Lochaber]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
an Socach: Do. [i.e. a place in Glenroy?]
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
An Socach: in Glenroy.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
An Socach: Sorry, I have forgotten its location. [NOTES: crossed out.]
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
An Soisgeul: Gospel (Reading).
Location: South Uist, Daliburgh
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
an Soisgeul: Origin: Barra
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
an Soisgeul: Origin: [Skye], Gleanndail [Glendale]
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
An Soisgeul: the Gospel.
Origin: [Skye, Camus Chroise]
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
An Soisgeul: The Gospel.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
An Soisgeul: the Gospel.
Location: Arran, Pirnmill
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
An Soisgeul: Origin: [the questionnaire gives Ross-shire but it is most probably meant as the county not origin]
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
an soisgeul: Origin: [in the card index: Islay, Ballygrant] [the questionnaire gives Earraghaidhiell but it is most probably meant as the county not origin]
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
an soran: opening in wall to allow wind to enter when winnowing. 2½' high x 2' wide. Ma choinneamh an doruis fhéin.
Origin: Tiree
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
an spannadh: An oidhche bha òraid againn an uiridh aig Comunn Leòdhais agus na Hearadh, chuala mi trì ainmeannan nach robh agam roimhe. Bha seo aig R.R. MàcDhòmhnuill (“R.R.” mar a chanadh iad), maighstir-sgoile á Leòdhas againn fhìn. Bho thaobh siar an eilein. Tha e an diugh a chòmhnuidh am Burnside. (Bidh lorg aig Ruairidh, saoilidh mi, air an duine-sa.) 2. An spannadh: draghadh, cumhachdach no brais, ann an tug o’ war. (Tug-of-war – Faic drolabha.) [Cf. na tòsagan, buill-ìg.]
Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an speal: swath of cut hay. (?)
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
An Spiorad Naomh: Origin: [Skye], Gleanndail [Glendale]
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
An Spiorad Naomh: Origin: [Skye, Camus Chroise]
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
An Spiorad Naomh: The Holy Ghost.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
An Spiorad Naomh: Origin: [the questionnaire gives Ross-shire but it is most probably meant as the county not origin]
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
An Spiorad Naomha: The Holy Ghost.
Location: Arran, Pirnmill
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
an spog dhubh: extremities go black, accompanied by decomposing smell even when animal is still living.
Location: Na Hearadh, Gòbhaig [Harris, Gobhaig]
Category: Crodh / Cattle
an spreidh: [herd or any collection of cattle.]
Origin: Barra
Category: Crodh / Cattle
an spùt: diarrhoea.
Origin: Barra
Category: Crodh / Cattle
an spùt: diarrhoea.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
an spùt: Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
an stad: constipation. [NOTES: ‘an’ put in brackets.]
Location: South Uist, Kildonan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an starsach: [fem.] the threshold.
Origin: Eileanaich [natives of Lewis]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
an starsach: the path in front of the house.
Origin: Barra
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
an steidheadh (): [masc.] a ring of ‘moine shlàn’ is now set all around the ‘glaothan’ and a ‘ceum coise’ away from it. From this outer ring, referred to as ‘an steidheadh’, the stacker helps himself to good building slabs for the stacking.
Origin: Eileanaich [natives of Lewis]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
an stem: Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an stéidheach: the exterior wall.

Origin: Leódhas, An Rudha [Lewis, Rudha]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
An Stòl: Stole.
Location: South Uist, Daliburgh
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
an Suidheachan Mór: Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
an sàbh: another claw used for catching fish.
Origin: [Note: From North Uist, information from Alex O’Henley / RÓM 4 Dec 2023]
Category: Iasgach a’ Ghiomaich / Lobster-Fishing
An Sàtan: Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
An Sàtan: Satan.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
An t-Abhaisteir: “Cho dubh ris an Abhaisteir”
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
an t-achadh dubh ann: Location: Na Hearadh, Gòbhaig [Harris, Gobhaig]
Category: Sìde / Weather
An t-Aideachadh: The Confiteor.
Location: South Uist, Daliburgh
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
An t-Aideachadh: The Confiteor.
Location: South Uist, Daliburgh
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
An t-Aideachadh: Confiteor.
Origin: Barra
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
an t-ailein: pios [piece?] of ear to the face.
Location: Na Hearadh [Harris], Horgabost
Category: Faireachdain / Senses
an t-aite teine: fireplace.
Origin: Barra
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
an t-allt: the burn.
Origin: Bràigh-Lochabar [Brae Lochaber]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
an t-alltapadh: a mishap.
Location: South Uist, West Kilbride
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
An t-Altachadh: Grace.
Location: South Uist, Daliburgh
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
An t-Altachadh: Grace before or after meals.
Origin: Barra
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
an t-amar: dipping trough.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
an t-amul: the long swingletree.
Location: South Uist, Bornish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
An t-Anart: Amice.
Location: South Uist, Daliburgh
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
an t-aodach (E): The cloth. A’ tòiseachadh clò (E) ùr, nuair a thig a’ cheud choltas aodaich air, canaidh sinn “Thug mi/e/thu aodach air.”
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Obair na Clòimhe / Wool-Working
an t-aodach dubh, an t-aodach (E): [NOTES: slip not found.]
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Bàs is Adhlacadh / Death and Burial
an t-apran: apron.
Location: Harris, Kyles Stockinish
Category: Togail Bhàtaichean / Boat-Building
an t-arbhar a’ bristeadh as: the stem begins to come through more clearly.
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
An t-arcach: So, tha mi a’ smaoineachadh an te a b’fheàrr aig muir is bu shàbhailte. Bha a toiseach is a deireadh a’ tighinn cruinn a steach chun an droma, is bha i fada na b’fharsaing eadar a dà ghualainn na bha i eadar an da shliasaid. Dh’eireadh i so gu bòidheach air gach tonn, a’ ruith na mara no dol ’na aghaidh, agus bha i cho easgaidh air an stiùir is gur e fìor dhroch sgiobair a leigeadh do mhuir tarsainn a thighinn air gun a ghlacadh air a sliasaid no air a gualainn.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
an t-ard dhorus: [masc.] the door lintel.
Origin: Eileanaich [natives of Lewis]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
an t-ard sheanadh: Origin: [Skye], Gleanndail [Glendale]
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
An t-Arsair: Satan.
Origin: Barra
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
an t-asan: also tasan.
Location: Mull [see below for details]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an t-asan: Location: Mull [see below for details]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an t-asan: [ən̪ tɑ̟sɑ̟n]
Location: North Argyll
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an t-at busach: mumps.
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an t-each bàn: little white eddies on the sea surface. Indicating gales and high winds.
Location: South Uist, South Glendale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an t-each iarruinn: the bicycle.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an t-each iaruinn: Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
An t-earball: Dean an nis earball an lin bhig leis na tha agad sios fo’n taraig, le lùbadh air a fhein agus toinneamh da dhual a chur air ga ghlasadh le ‘splice’. Teannaich an nis pios den druim bhon tarag so sios cho fada ’sa leigeas cliathaich an tighe dhuit agus ceangail e ri tarag eile gus am bi pios math den druim agad teann eadar an dà tharaig. Nuair a chuir thu na calpan air an druim dh’fhag thu cas fhada agus cas bheag mu thri oirlich no beagan na’s fhaide sios fon charcair. Tha a chas bheag so air a toinneamh ris a’ chalp fhada is air a glasadh le snaim. Nuair a ni thu so air a chula calp a tha eadar an da tharaig tha thu ga fosgladh bho na tairgean agus a’ slaodadh uiread eile don druim le na calpan troimh’n ulaig is gan ceangal a rithist. Lean air adhairt mar so gus an cuir thu an toinneamh air a chula calp.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
An t-easbuig: Bishop.
Location: South Uist, Daliburgh
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
An t-Eideadh Geal: Alb.
Location: South Uist, Daliburgh
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
an t-eildeir: Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
an t-eun dubh: blackbird.
Origin: [Tiree]
Category: Eòin Thiriodh / Birds of Tiree
an t-iaran mònadh (truimhsgeir): peat cutting iron.

Origin: Harris, Bernera
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
an t-inneadh: what was needed, required.
Location: South Uist, Stilligarry
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an t-iomlan: having something spare, excess.
Location: South Uist, Stilligarry
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an t-iomradh balbh: a quiet moment, e.g. a thief waiting for a quiet moment – “Bha e a feitheamh ris an t-iomradh balbh.”
Location: South Uist, Lochcarnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an t-omhnadh: state, situation. “An t-omhnadh anns an robh an duine.”
Location: South Uist, Lochcarnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an t-omhnadh: the situation. “An t-omhnadh ’s an robh e.”
Location: South Uist, Lochcarnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an t-ord: used for breaking up shellfish.
Origin: [Note: From North Uist, information from Alex O’Henley / RÓM 4 Dec 2023]
Category: Iasgach a’ Ghiomaich / Lobster-Fishing
an t-osan: the eye.
Location: Harris, Kyles Stockinish
Category: Iasgach a’ Ghiomaich / Lobster-Fishing
an t-osan: the eye.
Origin: Taransay
Category: Iasgach a’ Ghiomaich / Lobster-Fishing
An t-Sacramaid Naomh: Holy Communion, the Blessed Sacrament.
Location: South Uist, Daliburgh
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
an t-sail: (part of speal) Heel of blade. [NOTES: spelled ‘sàil’ on the slip.]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
an t-sail: far a bheil an clagan deiridh san druim a coinneachadh.
Location: Na Hearadh, Gòbhaig [Harris, Gobhaig]
Category: Eathraichean / Boats
an t-sail bhrollaich: Front cross-beam between the two shafts where the lock staple is attached. [NOTES: spelled ‘sail-bhroillich’ on the slip.]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
an t-sail-bhrollaich: a bit of wood on which the cart rested. [NOTES: ‘sail’ corrected to ‘sàil’.]
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
An t-Saimh: the Atlantic.
Location: Harris, Leverburgh
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
An t-Seacaid Mhòr: Tonsure coat.
Location: South Uist, Daliburgh
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
an t-Seachdaran: the Plough.
Origin: [Barra]
Category: Sìde / Weather
an t-seannabhaile: this refers to that part of the croft which is nearest the machair. The word derives from the fact that prior to modern houses being built further inland, houses must have been situated closer to the machair. In some villages, such as Daliburgh, old house ruins can still be seen in such areas.
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an t-searmon: Sermon.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
an t-seinn: Praise.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
an t-slabhraidh: The long iron chain which was suspended from the rafter, immediately above the fire. The lower link or links of chain held the pot-hook. Through the years, a thick layer of soot accumulated on this chain, and its whole length from pot-hook links to its end which was tied to rafter was called ‘maide na slabhraidh’.

Origin: Skye
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
an t-slat: the penis.
Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
an t-slat: a three starred constellation.
Location: South Uist, Daliburgh
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an t-slat bheoil: inside or out.
Location: [Harris], Leverburgh
Category: Togail Bhàtaichean / Boat-Building
an t-slat bheoil: Location: [Harris], Leverburgh
Category: Togail Bhàtaichean / Boat-Building
an t-slat shiul: [?] boom, lowest one also spar.
Location: Harris, Kyles Stockinish
Category: Togail Bhàtaichean / Boat-Building
an t-slat shuil: [sic] boom.
Location: [Harris], Leverburgh
Category: Togail Bhàtaichean / Boat-Building
an t-sliasaid: hindleg above knee.
Origin: Tiree
Category: Crodh / Cattle
an t-slochd: low land with high ground in the immediate vicinity.
Origin: Bràigh-Lochabar [Brae Lochaber]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
an t-snàil, an t-snàithle: colon or lower bowel. ‘An t-snàil’ a chanas sinne.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
an t-snàthadag: little bird that accompanies cuckoo.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
An t-snòta: Tha trì pìosan an so: an t-snòta sreanga, snòta gaoisd dhubh is snòta gaoisd gheal. Tha na tri ceangailte r’a cheile a’ deanamh na snòta.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
an t-srathair: saddle on a cart.
Origin: Na Hearadh [Harris]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
an t-srathair: mar san dealbh.
Origin: [Barra]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
an t-srathair: Cart-saddle.
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
an t-srathair: [Number 7 on the diagram.]

Location: North Uist
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
an t-sreath (f) bhuntata: (Also streath) Drill, row, furrow.
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
an t-srian: Reins.
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
AN T-SRÒN: Location: Na Hearadh, Gòbhaig [Harris, Gobhaig]
Category: Faireachdain / Senses
AN T-SRÒN: Location: Na Hearadh [Harris], Horgabost
Category: Faireachdain / Senses
AN T-SRÒN: Origin: Tiriodh [Tiree]
Category: Faireachdain / Senses
an t-srùlag (srúthlag?): the little hillside burn.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an t-srúlag: the little burn.
Origin: Bràigh-Lochabar [Brae Lochaber]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
an t-srúlag: the tiny burn.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an t-suil: (an t-suic) ‘Eye’ of sock – it goes over the ‘bonn’ or in some ploughs the ‘geada’. See diag [NOTES: probably refers to a diagram provided by the informant.] [NOTES: spelled ‘sùil’ on the slip.]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
an t-suil: (of harrow) The ‘eye’ in the ‘bann’ (or corner) to which draw-chain is attached.
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
an t-suil: the eye.
Origin: [Note: From North Uist, information from Alex O’Henley / RÓM 4 Dec 2023]
Category: Iasgach a’ Ghiomaich / Lobster-Fishing
An t-suil: Location: [Harris], Leverburgh, Kintulavaig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an t-suil liath: near the ‘maodal mór’? Bile duct, organ for secretion? Check.
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an t-suim: water which could be taken into the boat by fish or as a result of small leaks. [NOTES: note added above ‘t-suim’ – taoim.]
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an t-suirsde (f), suirsdeanan (pl): (An ‘r’ is often sounded in Tiree.) An iall (f) (de chraiceann caorach – the ‘iall’ was made of ‘sùgan’ in the distant past). Am buailtean (caltainn). An lacharan (m), lacharain (pl).
Origin: Tiree
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
AN T-SÙIL: Category: Faireachdain / Senses
AN T-SÙIL: Location: Na Hearadh, Gòbhaig [Harris, Gobhaig]
Category: Faireachdain / Senses
AN T-SÙIL: Location: Na Hearadh [Harris], Horgabost
Category: Faireachdain / Senses
AN T-SÙIL: Origin: Tiriodh [Tiree]
Category: Faireachdain / Senses
an t-sìde mhath: Origin: Tiree
Category: Sìde / Weather
an t-sìde thioram: Origin: Mull, Tobermory
Category: Sìde / Weather
an t-sùil: (of barn) Passage between ‘sorrag’ and ‘teallach’ (cealach).
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
an t-sùil: the evil eye.
Location: North Uist, Locheport
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an t-sùil: the hoop.
Origin: Tiriodh [Tiree] (Rugadh Daibhidh ann an Glaschu ach chaidh a thogail ann an Tiriodh bho’n a bha e trì bliadhn’ a dh’aois.)
Category: Iasgach a’ Ghiomaich / Lobster-Fishing
an t-sùil: the eye in a lobster pot. [NOTES: ‘an t-’ put in brackets.]
Location: South Uist, West Kilbride
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an t-sùil liath: on top of the larger intestine. Of the same colour as the liver. Could be for secretion purposes?
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an t-uachdar: cream.
Origin: Bràigh-Lochabar [Brae Lochaber]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
an t-uachdar: cream (of milk).
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an t-uchd, uchd: breast.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
an t-udalan: swivel.
Origin: [Skye, Camus Chroise]
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
An t-ullach na drocharach: height of misfortune.
Location: Tiree
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an t-urlar: (na cartach) bottom of box (cart). [NOTES: ‘ùrlar’ on the slip.]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
an t-urraghach: [ən̪ tu̜ru̜ɣəx]
Location: North Argyll
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
An t-Àrd easbuig: Archbishop.
Location: South Uist, Daliburgh
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
an t-èasbal: a delicate person, always prone to illness.
Location: South Uist, Lochcarnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an t-éir: a burden. [NOTES: corrected to ‘an t-éir(e)’.]
Location: South Uist, Lochcarnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an t-ùradh (E) air a thoirt as: Washing of the cloth. Chan eil mi glé chinnteach am bheil mi ceud ’s a’ cheud ceart an seo le ‘ùradh’.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Obair na Clòimhe / Wool-Working
an t-ùrlar: the base.
Origin: Tiriodh [Tiree] (Rugadh Daibhidh ann an Glaschu ach chaidh a thogail ann an Tiriodh bho’n a bha e trì bliadhn’ a dh’aois.)
Category: Iasgach a’ Ghiomaich / Lobster-Fishing
an tabhairtas: collection.
Location: Arran, Pirnmill
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
An Tabhartas: The Offertory.
Location: South Uist, Daliburgh
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
an taca: compared to.
Location: Eriskay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an taca ’sa bhliadhna: at this time of year.
Location: North Uist, Iollathraigh [Illeray]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
An taghadh: So gach ainm a bha aig na cutairean air gach taghadh: ‘Dead Small’, ‘Small’, ‘Matte’, ‘Matte Furl’, ‘Matte Large’, ‘Torn Bellies’, ‘Spent’, ‘Select’.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
an taghan: [ɑn̪ t̪əɣɑ̟ṉ] pine-marten.
Location: North Argyll
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an taigh-bhainne: the dairy.
Origin: Bràigh-Lochabar [Brae Lochaber]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
An Tairgse: The Offering.
Location: South Uist, Daliburgh
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
an tairsgian (no an t-iarunn-mona): also referred to as ‘an tairsgil’. Actually, this was the common pronunciation.
Origin: Borraraig [Skye, Boreraig]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
an talamh: the ground.
Origin: Bràigh-Lochabar [Brae Lochaber]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
an tallan (m): partition separating rooms.
Origin: [Skye, Camus Chroise]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
an tanagorm: hunger. [NOTES: note added above ‘tanagorm’ – t-anacothrom.]
Location: South Uist, South Lochboisdale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an taraisgeir: Origin: Leódhas, An Rudha [Lewis, Rudha]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
an tarbh: the bull.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an tarbh: Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an tarraing: a chain that tied the harrow to the swingle trees.
Location: North Uist, Iollaraigh [Illeray]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an tarraing (tarraing a’ chruinn): the part to which main swingle tree is attached.
Origin: Tiree
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
an tart: constipation. Cure – ula lìn (raw linseed oil).
Origin: Mull, Bunessan, Ardtun or Mull, Tobermory
Category: Crodh / Cattle
an tasgadh: banking fire overnight; using ash to cover peats so as to slow down burning.
Origin: Leódhas, An Rudha [Lewis, Rudha]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
an teallach: anns a’ cheàrdaich a mhàin.
Origin: Geàrrloch (Loch Iubh) [Gairloch (Loch Ewe)]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
an teanna ghalar: skin disease, the old disease.
Location: [Lewis], Arnol
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
an teas bralain: some sort of indigestion. (?)
Origin: Leodhas [Lewis], Uig
Category: Crodh / Cattle
an teas-brailein: Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
an teine: the fire.
Origin: Barra
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
an teine biorach: will o’ the wisp.
Origin: Barra
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
an teinich: [?]
Location: Mull
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an teinntean (E): Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
an teothair: the rope tied round the hind legs to prevent kicks, also a tether in a field.
Origin: Bràigh-Lochabar [Brae Lochaber]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
An Ti Tha Riaghladh: God.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
an tiatag: rheumatism.
Location: North Uist, Grimsay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an tigh faire (E): Far an robh an fhaire air a dèanamh. “Anns an tigh-fhaire”. Bhiodh an dusd (I) a stigh dà oidhche agus daoine ri caithris an dà oidhche. An diugh, cò dhiù air taobh an ear an eilein, chan eil caithris, no faire ’ga dhèanamh. [NOTES: slipped under ‘tigh faire’. Definition: Bhiodh an dusd a stigh dà oidhche agus daoine ri caithris an dà oidhche.]
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Bàs is Adhlacadh / Death and Burial
an tigh tugha: the thatched house.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an tigh-bhainne: the dairy.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an tigh-bhainne: Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
An Tighearna: Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
An Tighearna: Origin: Barra
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
An Tighearna: Origin: [Skye], Gleanndail [Glendale]
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
An Tighearna: God.
Origin: [Skye, Camus Chroise]
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
An Tighearna: the Lord.
Origin: [Skye, Camus Chroise]
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
An Tighearna: The Lord.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
An Tighearna: The Lord.
Location: Arran, Pirnmill
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
An Tighearna: An Tì Bheannaichte.
Origin: [the questionnaire gives Ross-shire but it is most probably meant as the county not origin]
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
an tighinn fodha: water that comes through the foundations of a house.
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an tinneas buidhe: jaundice.
Location: Harris, Rodel
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an tinntein: stand at each side of the fire for holding pots etc.
Origin: Barra
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
an tiomasgladh: excess. Applied to someone who always had something spare. “Bha an tiomasgladh aice sin riabh.” [NOTES: ‘tiomasgladh’ corrected to ‘t-iomasgladh’.]
Location: South Uist, South Boisdale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an tioramachd: [disease affecting the udder and milk production.]
Origin: Barra
Category: Crodh / Cattle
an tirisd: [əɲ tʹiɾiʃdʹ] cherry.
Location: North Argyll
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
An Tobhartair: Origin: Barra
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
an tobhta: [fem.] [See barr a’ bhala] ‘Tobhta’ also means a ruin in Lewis.
Origin: Eileanaich [natives of Lewis]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
an tochd: a whitish lump which affects the bottom half of the eyelid internally, jelly like in consistency. Existence denied by vet and removal by quacks illegal, though it has been proven to be effective recently in one or two cases.
Location: Na Hearadh, Gòbhaig [Harris, Gobhaig]
Category: Crodh / Cattle
an togail: taking the cream off the milk after it had been left for a whole day.
Location: North Uist, Locheport
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an torgh: long piece of iron, acre [?].
Location: Harris, Kyles Stockinish
Category: Togail Bhàtaichean / Boat-Building
an torraidh: stealing the milk from someone else’s cattle. Usually done in the early hours of the morning.
Location: Eriskay, Taobh na Mara
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an trabhailear: [Number 10 on the diagram.]

Location: North Uist
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
an traralair: [?] piece of iron that goes round mast.
Location: Harris, Kyles Stockinish
Category: Togail Bhàtaichean / Boat-Building
an traveller: Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
an traveller: Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
an traveller: Is e an ‘tràibheilear’ a chanadh na bodaich againne. (Faic ràc.)

Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an treabhadh: spring work. Common term for this district.
Origin: Ross and Cromarty, Lewis
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
an treas fàd: the 3rd layer [of peat cut from a peat bank].
Location: Harris, Tarbert
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
An Treas Pearsa: Origin: Barra
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
an treas uair a ghealladh: third time lucky.
Location: South Uist, Lochcarnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
An Trionaid: The Trinity.
Origin: Barra
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
An Trionaid Naomh: The Trinity.
Origin: Barra
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
an triuthach: whooping cough.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an trochans: in cahoots, e.g. “Bha iad ann an trochans ri chèile.”
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an truinnsear: Collection plate.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
an tràigh air sgeith: na muirsgianan ’na laighe air uachdar na gainmhich.
Origin: [Skye, Camus Chroise]
Category: Maorach / Shellfish
an tràigh-mhuirsgian: Origin: [Skye, Camus Chroise]
Category: Maorach / Shellfish
an tràsg: “Cho aotrom ris an tràsg”, chanadh am bodach mór. Bha e latha a’ bruidhinn mu cheusadh Chrìosda, agus thuirt e, “Chuir iad an crann air a mhuin agus dh’fhalbh e leis cho aotrom ris an tràsg”. Dé a bh’ann an tràsg? Bho dh’fhalbh am bodach, bha mi iomadh uair a’ smaoineachadh air. C’arson nach d’ fhoighnich mi dheth fhad’s a bha am bodach beo? Cha robh guth air a leithid an uair sin. An diugh tha mi tighinn uair is uair thuige gu’m faod gur h-e a’ chonnlach a bhiodh iad a’ cur air an àth nuair a bhiodh iad a’ tìoradh a bh’ann. Faic sràbhag. An t-sràbhag. Dh’fhaodadh aig cuid gur h-e ‘sràbhasg’ a bhiodh airson ‘sràbhag’, agus gun d’thàinig e gu sràsg, srà(bh)sg. Tha mi deanamh a mach a’ chonnlach a bha seo gu’m biodh i air leth aotrom mu’s biodh an tìoradh seachad. (Dh’fhaodadh gur h-e dìreach an tràsg a bh’ann. (Faic tràsgadh.))
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an trìeamh (treas) fad etc.: Origin: Sgìre na Pàirc an Leódhas [Lewis, the Park district]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
an tròm: a weight for a fishing line. First the shape of the weight was cut out of a peat. The lead was then melted and poured into this mould and left to set. A nail was pushed through each side so that the gut could be attached. [NOTES: ‘tròm’ corrected to ‘trom’.]
Location: South Uist, West Kilbride
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an tuaindeal: sturdy. Affected the brain of cattle and sheep. Cyst on the brain.
Location: North Uist, Scolpaig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an tuairealan: looping ill.
Location: Na Hearadh, Gòbhaig [Harris, Gobhaig]
Category: Crodh / Cattle
an tuathalan (): [masc.] giddiness; lack of balance.
Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
an tuim: the water that accumulated in the bottom of a boat.
Location: South Uist, South Boisdale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an tuthadh: the thatch.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an tuthadh: the thatch.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an téothar: Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an tòc: affecting the whole animal but located in the eye. “Thug e an tòc dhi.” He performed this particular operation to the eye of the cow. (Peculiar to West Uig, Lewis – not believed in by Vets.)
Origin: Leodhas [Lewis], Uig
Category: Crodh / Cattle
an tòc: This is a mystery somewhat akin to the King’s Evil, only in this instance, animals are the sufferers. An operation is performed on the eye of the animal (sheep or cow). The eyelid is turned outwards and by means of a darning needle and a piece of thread, some particular part surrounding the eye is manipulated so that it can be cut off. This gives immediate relief to the animal. Veterinary surgeons do not believe in it. An instance was quoted to me last summer. The man telling the story told me he had been to a village in Lochs. There was a cow, very far through, stretched out on the ground practically at its last gasp when my friend arrived. The vet had been called and had given her up as hopeless. My friend asked, “Na dh’fhiach sibh bheil an tòc oirr?” “Chan eil fhios againne dé th’ann an tòc.” “Uill bheir mise an tòc bhair na bà agus mur a dèan e feum, cha dèan e cron ’sam bith oirre co dhiubh.” He performed the operation and in ten minutes’ time the cow was on its feet and eating the grass. The amazing thing is that the people of Lochs had never heard of this most effective operation which is still regularly performed in Uig.
Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an t’ amadan mòintich: [sic] dotterel.
Category: Eòin / Birds
An uachdar an tighe: Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
an uair: tempest.
Location: South Uist, Bornish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an uair: in sense of distress. “Bha mi nis air m’fhàgail ’s an an uair.”
Location: Skye
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an uamhla: Am muir-mór, domhainn. “Dòmhnull ’na sheasamh air bearradh na creige agus an uamhla ghorm fodha.” “Thoir an uamhla dha”, chanadh sinn mu dheidhinn cù anns nach biodh feum (bàth ’s a’ mhuir e).
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an ubhla bhàn: a red and white seen on the potato leaves. Usually seen in July.
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
An Uile Chumhachdach: God.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
an uircean garraidh: [ən̪ t̪u̟ɾkʹɑ̟ṉ ɡɑ̟:ri] hedgehog.
Location: North Argyll
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an uiseag: Location: Mull [see below for details]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
An Urnaigh: Prayer.
Location: South Uist, Daliburgh
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
An Urnaigh: Benediction.
Origin: Barra
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
An Urnaigh “A Bhanruinn nam Flaitheas”: Regina Coeli.
Location: South Uist, Daliburgh
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
An Urnaigh “Cuimhnich a’ Mhoire”: The Memorare.
Location: South Uist, Daliburgh
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
An Urnaigh “Failte dhuit, a Bhanruinn”: The Salve Regina.
Location: South Uist, Daliburgh
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
An Urnaigh “Failt’ an Aingil”: The Angelus.
Location: South Uist, Daliburgh
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
An Urnaigh “Gloir don Athair”: Gloria (Patri).
Location: South Uist, Daliburgh
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
an urnuigh: Prayers.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
an ursainn: [fem.] the door post.
Origin: Eileanaich [natives of Lewis]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
an ursainn: the wooden frame of the doorway.
Origin: Bràigh-Lochabar [Brae Lochaber]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
an uthaird: aloft.
Location: North Uist, [Carinish], Cnoc Cuidhein [Knockquien]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an àinne: the oven.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an àiteach: spring work.
Origin: Ross and Cromarty, Lewis
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
an àrc: a hollow near a cow’s tail by which you can judge when the cow is likely to calve. Also called ‘sloc an airich’.
Location: South Uist, Lochcarnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an èis: cattle suffering from hunger.
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an-abaich: Quot.: “a’ dùsgadh an-abaich”. Note: waking up in the middle of a sleep. (Put also under dùisg.)
Origin: [Barvas]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an-abaich: almost an island, not exactly separated with a channel, etc.
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an-cheard: [ˈɑṉçɑʴḏ] Note: jollity. [NOTES: the turned r used for the symbol which is unclear in the original.]
Origin: [Lewis], Arnol
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an-cheardach: [ɑ̃ṉçəʴḏɑx] Note: witty, funny. [NOTES: the turned r used for the symbol which is unclear in the original.]
Origin: Crowlista
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an-eisearra: [ɑnˈeʃərə] Quot.: “duine an-eisearra”. Note: hail-fellow-well-met type of person. An-eisearrachd – noun from above.
Origin: [Ness]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an-fhoiseil: Quotation: Bha e gu math an-fhoiseil troimh ’n oidhche. Bha e a’ fàs rudeigin an-fhoiseil. Notes: restless. (foiseil not in Dw.)
Location: Lewis, Barvas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an-fhuair: (but also ‘turmoil’)
Origin: Harris, Horgabost or Harris, Kyles Stockinish
Category: Sìde / Weather
an-furais: [ɑ̃ṉfu̟ɾɑʃ] Quot.: “Tha e leis an an-furais.” Note: impatience.
Origin: [Barvas]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an-furais: [ɑ̃ṉfu̟ɾɑʃ] Quot.: “’S tu a tha ’s an an-furais.” Note: impatience, restlessness.
Origin: Crowlista
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an-uair: Note: extraordinarily harsh weather.
Origin: Ness
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
an-àm: Quot.: ’S e cadal-ceàrnach cadal ann an an-àm. Note: at the wrong time.
Origin: [Barvas]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
anasgair: [ɑ̃nɑsɡəð] Quot.: “àite anasgair”. Note: “an-sheasgair”. An exposed place.
Origin: Crowlista
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
anathach: foolhardy. Would be applied if someone attempted something strenuous whilst recovering from an illness.
Location: North Uist, Tigharry
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ancheard: Quotation: Bha e cho làn dh’an an ancheard. Ancheardach (adj). Notes: (Keose) jape/japing. Dw. has aincheard (marked obsolete), ‘buffoon etc.; buffoonery, low jesting’. Also aincheardach (not marked obsolete), ‘like a buffoon etc. (Armstrong); ingenious’. Note the quality of n in the Lewis words, and the different nuances of meaning.
Location: Lewis
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ann: Quotation: ’na shuidhe am mullach an teine. Notes: not quite.
Location: Harris, Ardhasaig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ann an amhainn: in an awkward position which renders her helpless.
Location: Na Hearadh, Gòbhaig [Harris, Gobhaig]
Category: Crodh / Cattle
ann an caochaile: in a hurry.
Location: Harris, Sgarastamhor
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ann an collaig: in a hurry.
Location: Harris, Sgarastamhor
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ann an craic: in a jiffy. “Thig mi mach thugad ann an craic.”
Location: South Uist, Lochcarnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ann an deagh riochd: in good condition.
Origin: [Note: From North Uist, information from Alex O’Henley / RÓM 4 Dec 2023]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ann an suil cruthaich: stuck in a bog.
Location: Na Hearadh, Gòbhaig [Harris, Gobhaig]
Category: Crodh / Cattle
ann an teabadaich: when someone was undecided.
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ann an trusg: under authority or command.
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
anns an tràigh bhàirneach: Canaidh sinn seo airson buain nam maorach-sa, mar a chanas sinn “anns an tràigh fheamad” airson buain na feamad.
Origin: Lewis, Uig an Iar
Category: Maorach / Shellfish
anns an tràigh chrùbaig is ghiomach: Sgrìoban. Gu crùbag no giomach a thoirt as sgor ’se sgrioban t-inneal. Bata, no maide caol le dubhan lin mhóir, no spàg sean ghràpa air a bhiorachadh agus an cumadh dubhain, air a réileadh r’a cheann.
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness, Lionel
Category: Maorach / Shellfish
anns an tràigh fhaochag: Canaidh sinn seo airson buain nam maorach-sa, mar a chanas sinn “anns an tràigh fheamad” airson buain na feamad.
Origin: Lewis, Uig an Iar
Category: Maorach / Shellfish
anns an tràigh fhaochag: Peile no poca is caol druim supail.
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness, Lionel
Category: Maorach / Shellfish
anns an tràigh fhèasgan: Canaidh sinn seo airson buain nam maorach-sa, mar a chanas sinn “anns an tràigh fheamad” airson buain na feamad.
Origin: Lewis, Uig an Iar
Category: Maorach / Shellfish
anns an tràigh luga: Gan tionndadh gu uachdair na gainmhich le spaid.
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness, Lionel
Category: Maorach / Shellfish
anns an tràigh mhaoraich an gainmhich ’sa’ làghach: Croman is spaid. Tha breallaich, coilleagan, dearbhallaich, agus am maorach nach bi dol ro dhomhain air an cladhach le croman. Nuair a bhios a’ ghrian a’ deàrrsadh air a’ ghainmhich no air an làghaich chi thu srùpan a’ mhaoraich mar gum biodh iad ag gabhail na gréine. Mar a faic thu so cuir do chorraig do’n toll shéididh aca agus ma dh’fhairicheas tu i ga sùghadh sios bidh maorach anns an toll sin. Theid an t-eachan is gu h-àraidh am muirsgean anabarrach domhain nuair a theid dragh a chur orra. Ma shaoileas tu gum bi maorach anns an toll sàth an spaid sios air siobhadh gus am brùth thu am maorach ri cliathaich a thuill fhein is chan fhaigh e air ruith. Cladhaich le do laimh no le croman e.
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness, Lionel
Category: Maorach / Shellfish
anns an tràigh shiol: Gràpa is corran. Bidh na siolan fodha anns a’ ghainmhich, agus gu faighinn biadhadh lion beag theid a’ ghainmheach a tionndadh le gràpa. Ruithidh a’ ghainmheach troimh spàgan a’ ghràpa a’ fàgail na siolan a’ placail air an uachdair. Nuair a bhios a ghainmheach cho fliuch, no nuair a bhios muir tana a’ ruith oirre, le bhith ruith troimh ’n ghainmhich le corran, fairichidh tu an t-siol ris a’ chorran is cladhaichidh tu an àirde le do laimh i. Gheibheadh tu air an dòigh so na dh’fhóghnadh airson a’ chreagaich.
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness, Lionel
Category: Maorach / Shellfish
Anns a’ bhraga: “Tha mi anns a’ bhraga.” ’Se sin a chanadh sinne anns an Rudha nuair a dheidheadh an dubhan a sàs anns an fheamainn a bha ri fas domhain aig bun na creige. Chan eil iad a’ gnathachadh an fhacail leis a chiall so ann an Nis idir. ’Se ‘braga’ chanas iadsan ri sgeir (reef) anns an uisge.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
anradh: Quotation: mac an anraidh. Notes: used like “mac an uilc”.
Location: Lewis, Barvas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
anradh: Quot.: “O, anradh ort!” Note: usually to somebody who has said or done something which wasn’t very sensible. Also: “A’ mhic an anraidh!”
Origin: [Barvas]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ao-cualt: [w:ku̜əɫt̪] Notes: an uncouth person.
Location: Sutherland, Lochinver, Culkein (Stoer)
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
aobhar: Quotation: “Thoir an aobhar dha.” Notes: used among young boys when one who wanted to fight another would have to give reason for the other boy to take him on. This was usually done with a light blow. [NOTES: slipped under ‘adhbhar’.]
Origin: Assynt, Stoer
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
aodainn an tairbh: bullface [sic] type of stonemasonry.
Location: South Uist, Milton
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
aodann: Quotation: far an aodainn [ɤdɑ̟:nʹ]. Notes: front, forefront.
Location: Ross of Mull
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
aognaich: Quotation: Tha mi ag aognachadh roimh’n an là a-màireach. Notes: dread.
Location: Harris, Ardhasaig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
aoigh (dh): rop eadar ceann an lìn agus an t-iochdar [q.v.].
Origin: An t-Eilean Sgitheanach [Skye; Skye, Glendale acc. to other questionnaires]
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
aoineadh: downpouring of continous rain. “Di-haoine ghlac an t-aoineadh na bheul e.” Means that if heavy rain begins on Friday morning it will continue all day.
Location: Skye
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
aois: Quotation: Chuir mi umhal gu robh an aois a’ laigh’ air.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
aon: Quotation: deich an t-aon. Notes: ten each.
Location: Tiree, Heylipool [sic]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
aon: pron. ‘one’: a chuile h-~ dhiubh; sinn an ~ fheadhain; dà òran don ~ t-seòrsa
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
aon: Quotation: pios an t-aon. Notes: a piece each.
Origin: Port Wemyss
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
aon ~ aona: adj. one, same’‘: ‘s e an aon Ghàidhlig a th’ aca ach an dòigh a bhruidhneas iad [MAE]; cha robh aon fhacal sgoileadh aige; aona adj.: ~ ghille [ɯnə ˌjiʎə], aona nighean [ ̍ɯnə
ˌɲi-an]; tha aona bheinn sa t-seann dùthaich;
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
aona-: adj. ‘single’: an t-~ [ən thɯ:nərut] rud agam uileadh
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
aonagrain: [w̃:ṉəɡɾɑ̃ṉ] Quotation: Tha an t-each dha aonagrain fhéin.
Origin: Tiree
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
aonairt: co-operated. An an [sic] aonairt. [NOTES: the slip has ‘ann an aonairt’. Definition: Agreement, co-operation.]
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
aondragaich: [w̃:n̪d̪ɾɑɡiç] Quotation: Bha an t-each dha aondragaich fhéin. Notes: wallowing, rolling from side to side on its back.
Origin: Skye, Torrin
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
aonraigich: rolling over. A horse scratching its back. Tha an t-each ga aonraigich fhein.
Location: South Uist, Bornish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
apainne: n. ‘convent(?)’ [ɑxpɪɲ]: rud a bha iad ag ithe anns an ~
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
aparan: bord, na broinn air uachdar an droma.
Location: Na Hearadh, Gòbhaig [Harris, Gobhaig]
Category: Eathraichean / Boats
aparan: Quot.: an t-aparan. Note: flat board stuck on the inside of the stempost.
Location: Harris, Quidinish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ar-chlòimh (I): (Fuaimnich ar'-chlòimh mar far-chluais.) A’ chlòimh ùr a bhios a’ fàs air na caoraich fo an t-seann chlòimh. “Bha ar-chlòimh mhath air na caoraich am bliadhna.”
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Obair na Clòimhe / Wool-Working
aran milis (m): Quotation: Cha daor ris an aran mhilis.
Location: Harris, Ardhasaig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
arbhalg: [ɑɾɑvɑɫɑɡ] Quot.: arbhalag [sic] an t-sùil. Note: the small lump in the inside corner of the eye.
Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
arc (-an): a lizard.
Origin: Baleshare
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
arcach: an da chlagan cas, a steach foidhpe, tòrr uisge oirre.
Location: Na Hearadh, Gòbhaig [Harris, Gobhaig]
Category: Eathraichean / Boats
arcan: Quotation: A’ bho a’ tighinn faisg air am breith – an arcan a’ fas farsuinn. Notes: arcag?
Origin: Kilmaluag
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
armadh: Quot.: “a’ toirt an armadh as a chlò.” Note: extracting the oil from the tweed.
Location: Harris, Quidinish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
armadh: grease added to wool, washed afterward, results: armadh a’ tighinn ás a’ chlò; fàileadh an armaidh. (2nd [?] second definition) 3rd – carded wool being greased etc.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
arrasbacan: Quot.: Tha e na arrasbacan dhomh. Note: an obstacle.
Origin: Carloway, Doune
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
arsbag: [ɑʴsbɑɡ] Quot.: (1) an arsbag mhór. (2) an arsbag bheag. Note: (1) greater black-backed gull. (2) lesser black-backed gull. [NOTES: the turned r used for the symbol which is unclear in the original.]
Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
aruinn: because of. “Chaidh e ann air aruinn an fhear ud.”
Location: South Uist, Lochcarnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
asg: skin and bone. “Chan eil ann ach an asg.”
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
asglan: [ɑsɡɫɑ̃ṉ] Quotation: an asglan toisich, dà asglan deiridh. Notes:
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
asgraidh: Quotation: an asgraidh [ən ɑsɡrẹj]. Notes: to tie a cow, equivalent of “ceangal”.
Location: Ross of Mull
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ashadh: storm tossed, rough passage as at sea. Fhuair iad ashadh a dol tarsainn a’ chuain an dé. (Harris)
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
astar: Quotation: Dé an t-astar a th’aice. Notes: usual pasture area of sheep.
Location: Lewis, Barvas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
astar-chas-an: (pronounced asterchassan, the ‘an’ at the end is open like sgadan, herring) a path trampled down by feet, usually where this was not welcome. ‘Tha a chlann air astarchasan a dheanamh troimh ’n choirc.’
Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
at: Quotation: an cuan ag at. Notes: heavy swell appearing on the sea.
Location: Ross-shire, Aultbea
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
at: Quotation: an at busach. Notes: mumps.
Origin: North Uist
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
atach: Quot.: “Chunna mi an atach aice.” Note: the useless remains of anything.
Origin: Crowlista
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ath bhlàr: an area that has been cut [for peat] before and is being used again.
Location: Lewis, Shawbost
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
ath-bhlar (af-lar): Am blàr broinn a dh’fhàg am poll as a dheidh bho chaidh fhosgladh. Tha an duine a dh’fhosgail am poll a’ dleasadh ath-bhlair fhein, agus ma bhios doimhne réisg air fhagail ann faodaidh e poll ùr fhosgladh gun cead conastabail a’ bhaile.
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
ath-bhoinn: [ɑfɔnʹ] Quot.: caora ann an ath-bhoinn. Note: in a position from which it could not extricate itself.
Origin: [Barvas]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ath-dhìonag: Notes: if it doesn’t have a lamb in its second year, the “dìonag” becomes an “ath-dhìonag”. (See Dìonag)
Origin: Islay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ath-dianag: Notes: an old maiden ewe, getting on for three years old.
Origin: Kinlochourn
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Ath-lionadh: Bhiodh an sgadan a’ ‘sinceadh’ sios anns gach baraille a bhiodh air a lionadh, agus ann an la no dha bha aca ri ath-lionadh le sgadan eile. Bhiodh an criudha gu leir a’ gabhail pàirt anns an obair so, oir ’sann anns a’ bharaille a bha iad pàidhte agus pàidhte anns an uair airson an ath-lionadh is an treas lionadh.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
ath-mhoine (a-foin anns gach aite): Fadan a chaidh fhàgail an sud ’san so air na puill. Bha iad so ro fhliuch air son an cur gu rathad. Bidh iad tioram gu leòr gus teine a dheanamh aig am buain, rùdhadh is cur gu tìr. ’S e ath-mhoine cuideachd a chanar ris na bhios air fhàgail do mhoine na bliadhna ’n uiridh as deidh a’ chruach ùr a bhith air a deanamh.
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
ath-rughadh: Is e so an dara sùil a bheirear air a mhòine. Nithear rùmhain na’s motha leis na fòid a’s tiorma ’nam broin agus an fheadhain nach ’eil cho tioram air an taobh a muigh agus air am mullach . Le sìde thioram nithear ath-rumhain mhòra, ach ma tha an aimsir bog cha deanar ach ath-rumhain bheaga.
Origin: Eileanaich [natives of Lewis]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
ath-rughan: (Fuamnich: ar’abhan.) Nam biodh feum air, a’ rùghadh an dàrna h-uair. A’ ceartachadh nan rùghan ’s ’g an deanamh na bu mhotha. A’ cur barrachd de na fàdan tiorma còmhla ri chèile, agus an fheadhainn fhliuch air an taobh a muigh.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
ath-rùdhadh: Mar a tiormaich a’ mhoine anns an rudhan tha dha no tri de rudhain gan cur an ceann a cheile is bidh iad air a fàgail greis eile gus an tiormaich i. Bidh, aig amannan, bho sheachduinn gu tri seachdainnean eadar an rùdhadh ’s an ath-rùdhadh.
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
ath-theinne: [ɑhĩnʹə] Quotation: An ann ag iarraidh iasad ath-theinne a tha thu. Notes: half-burnt peat. Said to a visitor, usually when paying a very short visit to a house.
Location: Skye, Kilmuir
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
athadh: [ˈɑhəɣ] Quot.: “Tha athadh air an duin’ ud.” Note: bashfulness.
Origin: [Lewis], Arnol
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
athainn: [ɑhĩnʹ] Quotation: Chaidh am beathach ann an athainn. Notes: getting into a position from which it could not extricate itself.
Location: Skye, Breakish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
athainn: Quotation: ann an athainne [ɑhĩnʹə]. Notes: in a position from which, say a beast would not be able to free itself.
Location: Skye, Kilmuir
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
athar dearg as an ard an iar air an oidhche: if you see hills near you – bad weather and vice versa.
Origin: Harris, Horgabost or Harris, Kyles Stockinish
Category: Sìde / Weather
atharnach: [ɑhərn̪ɑx] Quotation: an atharnach. Notes: the ground where potatoes had been planted.
Location: North Uist, Bayhead, Kylis
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
atharrais obrach: hotch potch job. “Dè an atharrais obrach a tha sin?”
Origin: [Harris]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
athdhath: twilight. Also ‘athadh’. “Beul an atha [sic] ’s an anmoich.”
Location: Skye
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
a’ baganachadh: to make preparations, e.g. “Bhaganaich mi na cruachan arbhair mu tigeadh an geamhradh.” or “Bhaganaich mi mi fhein mu’n teach mi a mach dh’an uisge.”
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
a’ bhana-chogach bhreac: Smallpox. (Faic banachrach.) Tha dà bhràthair-seanar agam air an tiodhlacadh ann am Pultneytown an Inbhir-Uige ann an Gallaibh. Chanadh na bodaich gu’n a bhàsaich iad leis a’ bhana-chogaich agus iad aig an iasgach.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
a’ bhean gu aois ’sa fear gu bàs: refers to the limited attraction of women whereas men retain their appeal till they die!! Cha bhith Curstaidh na Mòr toilichte ris an te ud.
Location: South Uist, Lochcarnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
a’ bhoill: a disease affecting the head of the horse. Its symptoms were an acute form of dizziness which resulted in death. The illness had a plant or root as its origin. [NOTES: corrected to ‘a’ bhoil’.]
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
a’ bhriogais: [əvrikʹẹʃ] Quotation: a’ bhriogais, sin an rud a bha deanadh breg air a’ chairt.
Location: Mull
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
a’ biadhadh: feeding. Bhia mi an laogh. (Tiree)
Origin: Tiree
Category: Crodh / Cattle
a’ biadhadh nan cearc air smodal an tighe: feeding the hens on the left-overs from the house. (Éir.)
Location: ? [Eriskay – see below]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
a’ briseadh an talaimh: Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
a’ bristeadh as: when a crop first becomes noticeable. “Tha an t-arbhar a’ bristeadh as.”
Location: North Uist, Grèinatobht [Grenitote]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
a’ cheist: an expression similar to ‘my love’ in English. “Seadh a’ cheist dè ni mi dhut an diugh.”
Location: South Uist, Milton
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
a’ chlach: ‘An do chuir thu mach a chlach?’ – ulpag math cloiche air gach ceann mar chruaidh. [NOTES: slipped under ‘clach’.]
Origin: Geàrrloch (Loch Iubh) [Gairloch (Loch Ewe)]
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
a’ chruaidh: ’S e ‘a’ chruaidh’ a chanas na Nisich ris a’ bhunait, agus ‘a’ chruadhlach’ anns an Rudha ’s air na Lochan. (Rainis) “Rainig sinn a’ chruaidh (a’ chruadhlach) a’ buain.”
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
a’ cocadh: ga chur an cocannan.
Origin: [Barra]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
a’ cruachadh: making medium-sized stacks on the banks and ‘slating’ the peats to throw off the rain, if the peats are being left on the banks for some time. Such stacks may sometimes be ‘thatched’ (air an tughadh) with turf (‘sgrathan’).
Location: Harris, Tarbert
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
a’ cuir an uain: a sheep that has miscarried with the lamb dead in its womb. Has to be delivered by hand. Similarly this is applied to cattle ‘cuir an laoigh’.
Location: South Uist, Stoneybridge
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
a’ cuir àird air balla: building onto an existing wall.
Location: South Uist, Bornish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
a’ cumail ceann an amaill ris: keeping right up with the pace.
Location: North Uist, Locheport
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
a’ cumail nan caorach còmhla ris an rùd: sheep put to ram.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
A’ cur: Tha an sgiobair air an sguit deiridh agus is e esan as trice a bhios ri cur. Tha fear a dh’aon ghnothaich air an tobhta deiridh gus gach sguil a chur chun an fhir cura. Tha e cur sguil air an t-sòla eadar e fhein agus an sgiobair agus a’ ceangal an lin bhig [ri?] fear de earbaill seasg na cruadhach agus tha an sgiobair a’ ceangal a’ chabuill ris an earball seasg eile a’ deanamh cinnteach gu bheil pailteas cabuill aige a reir an àirde aig a bheil e. Tha na lin – lin mhóra, lin bheaga, no lin sgadanach air an cur air ‘taobh a deas na luinge’ agus tha na lin air an cur is air an togail mu ghabhas e deanamh le ruith sruth na tìde mhara – gu h-àraidh ma tha t-earbsa ann an ràimh no seòl – agus ma bhios sruth anabarrach laidir ann tha puta suap a’ dol air a’ chàbull. Tha an càbull, a tha ’na luban réidh air beulaibh an fhir cura a’ ruith air a shocair tre làmhan, a’ chruaidh air a slighe chun a ghrunn a’ toirt a mach an lin bhig gu réidh as an sguil. Tha an càbull a ruith tre làmhan an sgiobair a chionn mu theid an lion troimhe cheile no mu ghlacas dubhan ann an àite sam bith gu stad e a’ chruaidh gu h-obann fhads a bhitear a’ réiteach sin. Tha an t-eathar aig an am so gu tric ’na stad no an dithis a tha air na raimh a’ cumail fòdhpa gus an dean a chruaidh grunnd dheth.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
A’ cur: Tha an sgiobair a’ cur, ’na shuidhe air an sguit amna [sic] [anns?] an deireadh agus tha fear air an tobhta deiridh a’ cumail ris na sgùiltean agus aig an aon am a’ ceangal an lion bheaga r’a cheile, is tha sin a’ dol gus an teid an dubhan mu dheireadh a mach.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
a’ cur a mach an òcraich: Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
a’ cur an eich do an chairt: Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
a’ cur an todhair: Putting manure in furrows.
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
a’ cur chun an rathaid: carrying peat from banks to road for transportation home.
Location: Harris, Tarbert
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
a’ cur gu rathad: Nuair a bhios a’ mhoine tioram tha i air a cur gu rathad far am faigh làraidh no tractar thuice gus a toirt dhachaidh. Tha a’ mhoine cho fada bho chuid ann an Nis is gu feum iad tri dòirtidh a dheanamh orra. (a) Ga dòirteadh aig rathad far am faigh tractar thuice. (b) Aig rathad far am faigh làraidh thuice. (c) Aig an tigh á làraidh. Tha a’ mhoine ga cur gu rathad (1) Ann am poca air do dhruim. (2) Ann an cliabh air do dhruim. (3) Ann am barra-cuibhle. (4) Ann am ‘Float’. (5) Le each is cairt. (’Se aon each a tha a’ deanamh sin an so an diugh - 1967) (6) Le tractar. (7) Agus chunnaic mi air cùl Steòrnabhaigh cuid ga cur gu rathad ann am ‘Prams’.
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
a’ cur gu tìr: Sin a chanas muinntir Nis an àite ‘cur gu rathad’, is cha chan iad ‘A’ cur gu rathad’ aig am ’sam bith. Cha chuala mi an dòigh so aig muinntir ’sam bith eile anns an eilean, agus is e ‘Cur gu tir’ a chanas mi fhin an diugh ged as e Rudhach a tha annam.
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
a’ càradh (E) an lìn: [NOTES: slip not found.]
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
A’ dol air a’ chois-chaoil: A’ dol sìos gu math (a’ teireachduinn ’s a’ caitheamh). Mar a thuirt am bodach mu an fhodair nuair a bha e ruith sìos gu math: “Tha e dol air a’ chois-chaoil.”
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
a’ dol gu luadar: going to an interview.
Location: South Uist, Daliburgh
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
a’ dèanamh bhannan: bannan le dùsan sop comhlaich neo uime sin gus an sguab a cheangal.
Origin: [Barra]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
a’ fainneamh: a’ dorghadh gun chruaidh a chur a mach ach ag cumail an eathar leis na ràimh (ag iomradh gu socrach gus an tigeadh tu air an iasg). [NOTES: slipped under ‘fainneamh’ with ‘a’ fainneamh’ as the quotation.]
Origin: Geàrrloch (Loch Iubh) [Gairloch (Loch Ewe)]
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
a’ feamanadh (verbal noun): the act of transporting seaweed from the shore (ann an cairt).
Origin: Tiree
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
a’ fosgladh an talaimh: Making the first or first two furrows when commencing ploughing.
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
a’ ghainmheach: an illness affecting the stomach of an animal. Arose from the animal eating docks (copagan), grass roots and sand. Animal would be in great pain and could not rise to its feet. Could only be cured by constant movement such as riding. Could affect cattle but mostly affected horses.
Location: Eriskay, Taobh na Mara
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
a’ ghaoth ann am foghair: an ear-thuath (NE).
Origin: Tiree
Category: Sìde / Weather
A’ Gheàrd: ’Se a’ gheàrd a bhiodh aca air an àite far am biodh na cutairean a’ cutadh, ach ’se ‘gheard’ a chainte ri aite ’sam bith anns an rachadh faluns a shuidheachadh ged a b’ ann air druim a’ chidhe a muigh fo na siantan. Bhiodh tighean fada fiodha aig na cùirearan móra le uinneagan móra fiodha a ghabhadh a fosgladh, na faluns a stigh fòdhpa, is an sgadan ga dhòirteadh annta tre na h-uinneagan so. Bha na tighean so a’ dion nan cruidheachan on uisge is on t-sneachda.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
a’ grìomhadh (gnìomhadh?) na cruaiche: a’ cur nam fàdan air a leud ris an talamh is a’ togail sreath os cionn sreath mar chlachan ann am balla.
Origin: Camaschros an sgìre Shléite san Eilean Sgitheanach [Skye, Camus Chroise]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
a’ leagail (an iaruinn): cutting (i.e. operating the ‘iarunn-mònadh’ [q.v.]).
Location: Harris, Tarbert
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
a’ leagail nan lìon: ’Gan cur reidh anns an eathar no anns a’ bhàta gu bhith deiseil airson an cur.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
a’ phoit ghuirmein: An enormous three legged iron pot which always rested on the hearth behind the fire, and which contained the ‘guirmean’, a beautiful blue dye used for tweeds, etc. A lid of wood, or a thick, strong piece of canvas tied round it, kept the mouth well sealed.
Origin: Skye
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
a’ putadh: penetrating the ground with an iron dung fork so that it would be easier for the next process.
Origin: Na Hearadh [Harris]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
a’ sgaoileadh an todhair: Spreading.
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
a’ sgileadh fhèasgan: Nuair a bhiodh na bodaich a’ fosgladh nam fèasgan ’s a’ toirt a’ bhidh asda airson a chur ’n a bhiathadh air an lìon-bheag, ’s e ‘sgileadh’ a chanadh iad ris an obair. “Tormod a’ sgileadh nam fèasganan.”
Origin: Lewis, Uig an Iar
Category: Maorach / Shellfish
a’ smòcadh an taighe: this procedure would be carried out by a sanitary officer in the event of a plague or disease being in the district. A soap-like substance was burnt filling the house with smoke. This was to prevent strangers from catching the epidemic. Bar of disinfectant (carbolic) soap left for everyone in the household. [NOTES: ‘smòcadh’ corrected to ‘smocadh’.]
Location: South Uist, Stoneybridge
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
a’ spoth an t-sìl: separating the straws from the seed.
Origin: Tiree
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
a’ spoth nam fàdan: cutting lower edge of peats at an angle – mòine bhàn chiefly – to make it easier for thrower to lift peats away from ‘carcair’ [q.v.].

Location: Lewis, Lochs, Leurbost
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
a’ stalcadh a chas(an): putting pressure on his feet in a striking movement.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Coltas an Duine / Personal Appearance
a’ sìneadh: to plough, e.g. “An do thoisich thu air sìneadh am bliadhna?” neo “An do shìn thu fhathast?” [NOTES: “a’” put in brackets.]
Location: South Uist, Kildonan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
a’ taghadh (an fheòir): a’ toirt as luibhean nach ith beathach.
Origin: [Barra]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
a’ tighinn a staigh a dh’iarraidh athainn: this could mean that a person was only dropping in and could not stay for long. Reflects the custom of stopping at a house for an ember to use as a torch.
Location: South Uist, South Boisdale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
a’ tionndadh na mona: a’ tionndadh an taoibh fhliuich an àird is a’ cur tuilleadh ri cheile.
Origin: Camaschros an sgìre Shléite san Eilean Sgitheanach [Skye, Camus Chroise]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
A’ togail: Tha an sgiobair a’ beirsinn air a’ phuta is a togail a’ chabuill a steach is earball a’ cheud lion ceangailte ris.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
a’ togail a chìp on tochainn: a feat of strength whereby two men sat opposite each other both holding onto a bit of wood between them. Both sat with their feet pressed against each other. The first person to lift the other person was the winner. [NOTES: ‘tochainn’ corrected to ‘tochain’ and note added above the phrase – ceap-an-tochain, which was most probably meant to be the headword.]
Location: South Uist, Kildonan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
a’ togail na mòna: gan cur trì is trì, aon air fhad is a dha eile an taic ris air an cinn.

Origin: Camaschros an sgìre Shléite san Eilean Sgitheanach [Skye, Camus Chroise]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
a’ togail shrùpanan: Cho fada ’s a tha cuimhne agam, ’se seo a chanadh sinn mu thional na maoraich-sa. (Tha ‘maorach’ boirionn againn, ’s an àite-sa có dhiu, mar a thuit a mach bhuam an so shuas. Cha chanainn nach eil ‘maorach’ boirionn agus firionn againn mar a thionndaidheas a mach.) Tha ‘coilleag’ againn mar ainm annasach, no mar ainm litireil. Tearc air na bilean.
Origin: Lewis, Uig an Iar
Category: Maorach / Shellfish
a’ toirt an eich as an chairt: Release the horse. [NOTES: ‘thoir an t-each as a’ chairt’ on the slip.]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
a’ tughadh: Bhiodh mòine dhubh a bhithear a fàgail air a’ pholl (airson eallaich cleibhe aig toiseach Earraich) g’a tughadh le cip; ainneamh a tha sin a tachairt an diugh.
Origin: Leódhas, An Rudha [Lewis, Rudha]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
bac(an): (rowlocks).
Location: Na Hearadh, Gòbhaig [Harris, Gobhaig]
Category: Eathraichean / Boats
bacach: Quotation: duine bacach. Notes: a man with an irregular step due to some disability.
Location: Ross-shire, Aultbea
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bachlabh (ba-chliabh): B’e sin cliabh beag, an aona chumadh ri cliabh mór. Is ann airson duine òg a tha cuimhne agam-sa air bachlabh.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
bacstoc: informant not sure of meaning but quotes from a song – “Tha do bhàt air a’ bhacstoc, air a tarraing ’s an t-sìoban.”
Location: South Uist, South Lochboisdale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
badadh an eòrna: process whereby prematurely ripe barley was pulled out.
Location: South Uist, Daliburgh
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
badhalanaich: [bɤəɫɑ̃ṉiç] Quotation: Thug e fad an latha a’ badhalanaich. Notes: hesitating, not being able to make a decision one way or another.
Location: Lewis, Barvas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
badhar: [ˈbɑəð] Note: a’ stuth a bhiodh aig na ceannaichean. “Dé an seòrsa badhar a th’aig an duine ud?”
Origin: [Lewis], Arnol
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
baile mòr: nn ‘town’: sa bh. mhòr an Inverness
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
Bail’ an Luig: Notes: Ballinluig, Perthshire.
Origin: Glenlyon
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
balbh: Quotation: Tha mo làmh balbh leis an fhuachd. Notes: My hand is numb with the cold.
Location: Ross-shire, Aultbea
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
balbh: adj. ‘still’: ach gum biodh i [an t-sìde] cho ~, gun pioc soirbheis ann
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
balbhanaich: Quotation: Tha rudeigin air cùl a’ bhalbhanaich a tha an seo. Notes: a calm, deadness in the weather.
Location: Skye, Elgol
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
balg: Is e a bha seo, chan eil mi ro chinnteach an e craicionn no an è sìoman air a fhigheadh, de’n an robh e dèanta. Ach có dhiu, is ann airson an aon fheum ri seice agus an leithid sin a bha e – feum sabhail – siol, buntàta, etc. Bha e mar seo: [see illustration]. Chan fhaca mise a riamh e ach a rèir mar a bha mi a’ cluinntinn bhiodh e mar a tha mi a’ soilleireachadh. Faisg air, co dhiù. Bha am màs aige na bu leatha na a bheul agus bha e a’ cheart uibhir ri seice, no na bu mhotha. Am ball-sa, chanainn gur h-e craicionn a bhiodh ann, có dhiu mar bu trice.

Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Leabhar Deilbh / Drawing Book
balg meadhon: “Bha sinn a’ dol ’n ar lùibean a’ gàireachdaich agus am bodach a null air an droichid ’s grèim aige air bhalg meadhon air a’ cheàrd.” (Tuigidh sibh fhéin.)
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
balgam fala na bheul: this summed up the taste of defeat when someone had been proved wrong, i.e. in an argument.
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
balgan-feòir: Quot.: “Cha teid thu mach mas beir am balgan-feòir agus an ceithir-chasach ort!” Note: said to young children if they wanted to go out at night.
Origin: [Barvas]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ball feòir: Ball-tìre [q.v.] airson eathair. Ball còrcaich bha e cruaidh agus geal, no bàn. Ach ball feòir, bha e na bu bhuige agus e ruadh. An aon seòrsa stuth ri sìoman-Theàrlaich [q.v.] a bh’ann, tha mi ’n dùil.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ball-fiodha: [shinty] The shaft of an old spade or graip was the best material. The ball was rather small but it could stand up to hard hitting.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig
Category: Cur-seachadan: Dèideagan, Geamaichean is Farpaisean / Recreation: Toys, Games, Contests
balla: dòigh air nam fadan a chur air muin an cheile air bruaich a phuill air chor sgun tiormaich iad na’s fhearr. Cuideachd far eil am poll domhain ’se gun móran sgaoiltich a mach uaithe.

Origin: [Taransay]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
balla nam faing, an geata: parts of a fank.
Origin: [Arran]
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
ballaisteach: Quot.: duine ballaisteach. Note: a solid, sensible person. (Also: “Chaneil móran ballaist anns an duine ud.”)
Origin: Kershader
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ballan-boghan: Notes: given as “species of cormorant with a white breast”. (Could be an immature cormorant – it has extensive white area on underparts.)
Location: Islay, Port Wemyss
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
balt: Quotation: Tha balt a’ tighinn air an là. Notes: first sign of daybreak.
Location: [see below]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
baltag: Quotation: “Nach ann air a tha a’ bhaltag.” Notes: said about an overweight person, or a fat beast. Prob. “a good quantity”.
Location: South Uist, Bornish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bana-chogach: “An deach a’ bhana-chogach ort?” – Were you vaccinated?
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bangaid: Note: the celebration drink after the birth of a child. “An d’fhuair thu a’ bhangaid?”
Origin: Carloway, Doune
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bannag: Quotation: “Thoir a bhiadh do fhear-an-tighe, ’S thoir a bhannag dhomhsa.” – New Year’s cake. Notes: part of a Rhyme used by children visiting at New Year time – supposed to date back to the time of the Druids!
Origin: West Lewis [the location given on the slips]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bara: Quotation: An duine bhios a bhara air falbh, cha shuidh e ach air failbhean corrach.
Origin: Lewis, Ness
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bara (m): barrow. Toiseach a’ bhara. An aiseal. An roth. An t-ùrlar. Na taobhan. Na casan. Na spàgan (f) (spàg – sing.).
Origin: Tiree
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
bara-cuibhle: Tha bara-cuibhle aca an diugh ’ga chleachdadh airson a’ mhòine a thoirt bharr nam poll gu taobh an rathad.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
baraille-buntata: an old version of potato ‘measurement’ or container.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
barp: an accumulation of stones beside lochs. Examples found locally at Milton and Lochboisdale. People are supposed to be buried underneath these rocks. Associated with the distant past.
Location: South Uist, Milton
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
barr an t-suic: the point of the sock.
Origin: Tiree
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
barr-fhad: be seo am fad àrd – an t-sreath uile ge leir.
Location: South Uist, Peninerine
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
barrach’: nn ‘more’ : chunna mise an duine ud agus chunna mi ~ ‘s è [ꞌa:]; dhèanainnsa ~ ann an uair ‘s __ nì iad seo am fad latha
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
barradh air a’ chliabh: na fòid mu dheireadh air an cur air an oir is a’ ruigheachd os cionn a’ chléibh, a’ toirt cothroim air barrachd a ghiùlan.
Origin: Camaschros an sgìre Shléite san Eilean Sgitheanach [Skye, Camus Chroise]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
barral leathainn: a piece of lace used as part of an old latch – ‘cluamhain’. When you pulled the lace or string the latch could be lifted or lowered.
Location: North Uist, Locheport
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
barran: a slovenly covering of a woman’s head worn like an Arab’s headgear.
Location: Killearnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bas-bhualadh: clapping. We have in Scalpay a word I don’t know if you could spell it as above or basbhaladh. We say: Dé a basbhaladh air an duin’ ud – when a man walks continually here and there.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bead (f): an impudent girl; beadaidh (adj.).
Origin: [Strathglass]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
beag: adj. ‘small, few’ : agus ‘s e glè bheag dhiubh sin ‘ tha beò an-diugh
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
beag an rud is buaine na Mac an Duine: refers to the inevitability of death.
Location: South Uist, Lochcarnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
beag-seadh: Quotation: duine beag-seadh. Notes: an insignificant, ineffective person.
Location: Lewis, Barvas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
beairt Ghaidhealach: different from the looms that came from the mainland since they did not keep an automatic tally of the number of times a colour was used.
Location: South Uist, Iochdar, Baile Gharbhaidh [Balgarva]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
beairteachadh: a cur an druim [q.v.] agus na h-aoigh [q.v.] agus an t-iochdar [q.v.] air a lion. [NOTES: the slip has ‘…air an lion’.]
Origin: An t-Eilean Sgitheanach [Skye; Skye, Glendale acc. to other questionnaires]
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
bealmadh: a breakwater or dam. Also in sense of putting an obstruction in the way of something.
Location: North Uist, Grimsay, Gearradh Dubh
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bean: nn f. ‘woman’: pl.: ‘mnathan buidhe [pra͂-ən bu-i] ’s iad ri muidhe an t-uachdar anns a’ chrannagan’
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
beannabh: from corner to corner. Tha an t-seal air bheannabh – shawl.
Location: South Uist, Bornish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
beannaich: :vbl nn ‘bless’:bha an sagart a’ beannachadh an t-sìl; Dia gad bheannachadh!; tha mi ‘ smuaineachadh gur ann an St Ninian a chaidh __ a bhiodh iad ri bush, a chaidh an t-uisge
coisreactha ud a bheannachadh; thàinig latha beannachadh an t-sìl; nn.cuiridh mise beannachadh air leth air an t-sìol; vbl adj. beannaichte: chunnaic e an Crìostaidh ~, maighstir Dùghall;
bhruidhinn e gu ~te [pjɔn̪iʧə] riutha-s’
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
bearna: an opening, breach. [NOTES: corrected to ‘beàrna’.]
Origin: [Note: From North Uist, information from Alex O’Henley / RÓM 4 Dec 2023]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bearradh: Quotation: bearradh a’ phuill. Notes: the edge of the top of the peat bank. “An gàradh air bearradh a’ phuill.”
Location: Skye, Kilmuir
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bearraid: a corner, part of an area. “Bearraid dhen eilean.”
Location: South Uist, Daliburgh
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
beart: [bȷɑʴstʹ] Quot.: beart an t-sèicle. Note: thread-making part of the spinning wheel. [NOTES: the turned r used for the symbol which is unclear in the original.]
Location: Harris, Quidinish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
beart: nn f. ‘loom’ : nuair a chuireadh [tu] an t-aodach sa bheirt
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
beart-dhealbh (I): Bha na beartan a chunnaic mise gu math mór. Fìor mhór. Chunna mi feadhainn air an suidheachadh ris a’ bhalla ann an tigh na beart-fhighe agus feadhainn eile fuasgailte air an ceann fhéin. Chan eil ainm sam bith agam airson frèim na beairte ach a’ bheart fhéin. Chan eil agam ach an dà ainm: a’ bheart agus na bacain [q.v.].
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Obair na Clòimhe / Wool-Working
beartach: Quotation: Nam biodh iad air son a dheanamh na bu bheartach (sic) bhiodh iad a’ bruich dà luchd dhan a roinneach anns an aon uisg. Bhiodh an dath na bu truime. Notes: wool-dyeing.
Origin: North Uist
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
beatha: Quotation: Do bheatha an dùthaich. Notes: Welcome home!
Origin: Tiree
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
beathach air a’ racadh: when an animal had been laid low by a cold or some other illness. More than an actual cold. [NOTES: ‘racadh’ corrected to ‘ragadh’.]
Location: South Uist, Kildonan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
beigleis: [beɡlɑʃ] Notes: bayonet – from an old song. See beigleid, beigneid Dw.
Origin: Stratherricis
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
beinn: nn ‘mountain': bha e sa taobh ~eadh aig am pasture far an robh iad; pl. beanntan [pɛundən]; beinnean [peɲən] [MM]
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
beir: Quotation: Rug i ’s thog i an Ardeonaig. Notes: actives used as passives. (?)
Origin: Loch Tay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
beir: vb. ‘sieze’: thug mise dive ~ beirint [pɛr´ɛʧ] air a’ bhòrd; ‘bear’ BHEIREADH: dh’fhaodte dìreach dol [nuair] bheireadh an t-uan
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
beirteas: nn ‘wealth’: 's e an t-slàinte am ~ as fheàrr a th' ann; an t-slàinte am ~ as fheàrr a tha ‘r an t-saoghal
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
beithe: n. ‘birch’: locair mhòr do bh. air neo do mheubail; mu dheidhinn an fhiodh chruaidh, gheibheadh tu ~ dubh, ~ buidhe, ~ dearg ’s ~ geal -- ~ bàn
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
beithir: an electric storm, where lightning strikes.
Location: South Uist, Bornish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
beithir: fork lightning, combined with rain. Could this be used also of an electric shower?
Origin: Glasgow/South Uist? or South Uist, Kildonan or South Uist, Garrynamonie or South Uist or Skye, Bernisdale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
beucaich: [bɛ̣əxkẹç] Quotation: Cha do stad e bheucaich fad a latha. Notes: shouting, roaring of a human, also an animal. Bad crying of an infant.
Location: Mull
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
beul: Notes: gunwhale. Or an “timchioll àrd”.
Location: Tiree, Caolis
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
beul: Quotation: ann am beul an latha. Notes: at daybreak.
Location: Tiree, Cornaigbeg
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
beul: Quotation: Beul na h-oidhche. Beul an latha.
Origin: Tiree
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
beul: an oir àrd.
Location: Na Hearadh, Gòbhaig [Harris, Gobhaig]
Category: Eathraichean / Boats
beul: nn ‘mouth, beginning’: ~ na h-oidhche: 'nightfall'; bha e ‘ tighinn a-nuas staighir am ~ na h-oidhch’; ~ an latha: 'dawn' [FMM]
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
beul cam: Cowrie shell. So an t-ainm a tha aca ann an Dail-o-Dheas agus ann am bailtean eile an Nis air ‘maighdealag’ [q.v.]. Cha chuala mi an àite eile a mach air Nis e. Gheibhear corra ‘bheul cam’ air Traigh Dhail.
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness, Lionel
Category: Maorach / Shellfish
beul ionnsachaidh: to give directions, e.g. “Thug mi beul ionnsachaidh dha a dhol an rathad eile.”
Location: South Uist, Iochdar, Baile Gharbhaidh [Balgarva]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
beul na firinn: term applied to one of the old wooden planes. Could not be more specific as regards an English name.
Location: North Uist, Carinish, Cnoc Cuidhein [Knockquien]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Beul na sgùil: Tha sifeadh an àrda anns a’ bheul bho bhun a mionaich, is tha e air a thoirt beagan a steach – na’s cuinge – so far am bi am biadhadh air a leigeil.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
beul-bòidheach: [bıɑɫbɔ:ɑx] Quotation: Chuir mi beul-bòidheach air an duine. Notes: I flattered the man.
Location: Tiree
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
beulag: An opening (air an teine ’s a leithid sin).
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
beum: Quot.: “am beum dubh”. Note: nuair a bhiodh iad a’ deanamh cruach eòrna bhiodh iad a’ cur na beumannan a bha air an sgathadh [q.v.] do’n mheadhoin agus na beumannan dubh a muigh. Barley pulled up by the roots.
Origin: [Lewis], Arnol
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
beum: Quot.: beum-mullaich. Note: an inverted sheaf put on the apex of a barley stack to keep the stack dry. Also put on “huts” of barley.
Location: Lewis, Uig, Crowlista
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
beum: Quotation: “Mur aithne dhuit a’ beum.” Notes: pedigree or stock. Said to be words of an old song.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
beurr: spark. Cha [sic] eil beurr an seo.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
beò: Quotation: Bheir an aire nach cuir thu an tarann ’s a’ bheò. Notes: when shoeing a horse.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Bha i ’san treas: an extra horse needed to pull a heavy load.
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bhalsadh: walking, continually walking. Dé a bhalsadh air an duin’ ud a h-uile latha a chì mi e.
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bhan-an-éisg: fish retailer’s van.
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bharr-an-uca: off the shoulder blade.
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bharr-an-uilt: out of joint.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bheir: vb. ‘give; last’: VBL. N.: chunnaic iad gu robh e ’ dol ’ th. ro fhada dha sin a dèanamh; gus an tigeadh agad air an cota-mòr a th. dhìot; COND:: cha tugadh e fada
dhaibh
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
bheir: Quotation: Bheir … ás a’ cheann/dà cheann … “Bheir an Néibhidh ás an dà cheann aige e.” Notes: … will teach him, the cocky beggar!
Location: Lewis
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bheir: vb ‘give, take’ : past: às a dheoghaidh a thug am fear seo [‘made off after him’];cond.: 's e the an doctair Siseil a ~eadh iad air; a’ smaoineachdainn gun toireadh e duine beò leis
cho math ‘s a bha e ; cha bhiodh e math muran toireadh iad toll air an talamh ‘ dannsadh; vbl nn.: bha thu sin a’ toir’ sin dheth gu strain; bha e ' toirt bhuam a' mhairt
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
bheir an t-sitig ort: Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
Bheirinn a’ cnàmhan as an uir: applied to a dear or well liked person.
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Bhithinn a’ cluinntinn na dhà-sa a riamh:: “Miann bo braon, / Miann caora teas, / Miann each lòn / Anns an òl e a dheoch. / Miann gaibhre gaoth, / Anns an aonach chas, / Miann a’ chait ’s an luath, / Nuair as cruaidhe an fhras.” “Bainne-cioch circe / Ann an adharc muice, / ’S ite corra-sgèith cait / ’Ga shuathadh ris.” (Tuigidh sibh fhéin de an seòrsa a tha ’s an fhear-sa.)
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bho: prep. ‘from’: dh’fhaodte nach biodh bhuam ach aon fhacal an siud ’s aon fhacal an seo; ’s e sin a tha fon [= bhon] chaora; cha ruig [rik´] iad leas a bhith ùr ma tha iad dìreach fon
(bhon) t-sàbh, ma tha iad bhon t-sàbh
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
bhuidhe-ri-Dia: an expression used by certain families in a certain district, when wishing to emphasise (as indeed it was).
Location: South Uist, Bornish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bhàn: Quotation: Chuir sinn bhàn an cuip mòine. Notes: down.
Origin: Glenlyon
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bi: vb. ‘be’ : cond.: na’ bhiodh e [na viɣ a]; past: a's a robh e [roɣ]; vbl nn.:air bhith bog; an cuala sibh ‘ bhith ‘ bruidhinn air?
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
Biadhadh an lin-bhig: Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
biadhainn: [bıɤĩnʹ] Quotation: pl. [bıɤĩnʹəṉ]. Notes: an earthworm.
Origin: Drumguish, by Kingussie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bialag: When peats were put on a fire, the live cinders were not wholly covered right round. An opening was left in front (where a current of air would soon kindle a flame) and let out the heat. This opening was called a ‘bialag’.
Origin: Skye
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
biast: Tha againn cuideachd mu bhoirionnach, ‘biast’ no ‘biasd’. “’Se biast a th’innte.” (curs agus garg) Cuideachd, boirionnach cruaidh agus marbh ann am faireachdainn: biast. “Nach b’e a’ bhiast i!” Cleas a’ bhoirionnaich a chaill an duine le bàthadh ’s nach do chuir e móran sum bith oirre. “Nach b’e a’ bhiast i!”
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Nàdur an Duine / Personality
biast dhubh: [bẹʃt ɣu] Notes: an otter.
Location: Ross of Mull
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
biast-an-fheòir: [bıɤst̪nʹɔ:ɾ] Notes: earwig.
Location: Sutherland, Kinlochbervie, Oldshoremore
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
biathadh: [biəʔəɣ] Quotation: Bha thu cumail biathadh ann an drasda ’s a rithis.
Location: Mull
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
biathadh (E) airson an lìn-bhig:: Siol (I) (siol-ghainmheach). An t-siol na b’fheàrr airson cnòdain (cnòdan – E). Luga (I). An luga na b’fheàrr airson adaig (adag – I). Là blàth agus grianach, làtha a b’fheàrr airson cnòdain.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
biathadh as an laimh: hand-feeding.
Origin: [Arran]
Category: Crodh / Cattle
bideachachd an duileach’: (perhaps biodachadh an duilias) – budding time. (Lorn)
Location: Tiree
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bigein: Quotation: bigein an t-sneachd. Notes: “snow-bunting”. (?)
Origin: North Uist
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bigeir: spyhole. “Toll beag a bhigire a bha air an dorus.”
Location: Skye
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bile: [b̥ilə] Quotation: bile de chloich a mach agus bha an leinich [?] seite air an sin.
Location: Mull
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
binn: judgement. “Dè a bhinn a thug a siorram a mach?” [NOTES: ‘a siorram’ corrected to ‘an siorram’.]
Location: North Uist, Grimsay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
biod: on edge. Air bhiod leis an eagail.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bioda: Notes: Mr MacDonald supports that this is euphemism for bod. Bioda an Stòir is known as Bod an Stòir. Bioda an Stòir, Old Man of Starr, Skye. Bioda a’ Chuirn below Culnacnock rocks east side of Staffin, Skye.
Origin: Skye
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bior: [bwɾ] Note: knitting needle. (If using two, termed “an te dheas” and “an te cheàrr”.)
Location: Lewis, Uig, Crowlista
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bior: Quotation: bior eallaidh [biɾˈiɑɫi]. Notes: an iron rod used to hold lighted peat as a torch. (Harris)
Origin: Harris
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
biorach throm: an a daogh.
Origin: [Islay, Ballygrant]
Category: Crodh / Cattle
biorag: Chan eil seo againn idir. [NOTES: one of the words suggested in the questionnaire – ‘an acid-tongued woman’.]
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Nàdur an Duine / Personality
biorag: [an acid-tongued woman.]
Origin: Skye
Category: Nàdur an Duine / Personality
biortaich: [bjwʴsṯıç] Quotation: Bhiortaich e nuair a chuala e gu robh thu a tighinn dhachaidh. Feuch am biortaich thu an teine. Notes: brighten up, revive. [NOTES: the turned r used for the symbol which is unclear in the original.]
Location: Lewis, Barvas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
biota: Bha na biotaichean dèanta de fhiodh, le clàir agus cearcaill mar am baraille. Bha an lonaid [q.v.] de fhiodh mar an ceudna. Is e an tè bheag dhiubh ris an canaist ‘crannachan’. Anns a’ gheamhradh nuair nach biodh am bainne cho pailt, is e an crannachan bu trice a bhatar a’ cur an sàs airson ìm a thoirt a mach. Biota: [see illustration]. Biota: [see illustration]. Crannachan: [see illustration].

Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Leabhar Deilbh / Drawing Book
bith: Quotation: Nach ann ann a bha bith an deamhain nuair a chaidh e a phòsadh, a’ streap ris a’ cheithir-fichead bliadhna. (Catriona Mhór of Billie Og Og in Stornoway) Notes: In Dw., in senses of ‘life, existence, being, living’. But above usage is more positive and explosive.
Location: Lewis
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bith: existence. Seachd bitheanan ann an cat. Cha téid ann am bith.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bith an doruis: the space between the hinged side of the door and the wall.
Origin: Bràigh-Lochabar [Brae Lochaber]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
bith, gu: advb. ‘whatever’ : gu ~ cò às a thàinig __ an stuth eireachdail
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
bith-aighe: (? sounds like eye) an earthworm. (at Melness)
Origin: Applecross [mother]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
blaigh riachd: leaving something in a state of mess, disorder, e.g. “Dh’fhàg iad an talla na blaigh riachd as deidh an dannsa.” Also used to describe careless, scruffy appearance. [NOTES: corrected to ‘blaigh-riachd’.]
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
blaighteachas: a little or part. “Tha blaighteachas tiorramachaidh orra an diugh.”
Location: North Uist, Knockintorran
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
blairiochachd: (bla riochd) an untidy dirty person.
Location: South Uist, Bornish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
blaith-bròige: I have heard of an individual on Scalpay using this term for a shoe – the shoe coming to Scalpay after the boot fashion and may have caused the individual to term or describe the shoe or shoes likewise.
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
blaradh an fhiodhrach tarsuinn: taking rough off timbers.
Location: Tiree
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
blasad: taste. An d’rinn e blasad bithidh idir.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bleodhann ( blo an): [pron.] milking. [NOTES: slip not found.]
Origin: Kill-Fhinn
Category: Crodh / Cattle
bliam: Quotation: “Tha iad a sin gun bhliam aca an tigh Cairstiona ’an Tàilleir. Tha iad sin a-mach a rathad gun scot a dh’òrdaich an Tighearna beannaichte aca.” (Catriona Mhór) Notes: Not in Dw.
Location: Lewis
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bloc: n. ‘block’: bha iad air an gearraidh nam ~aichean
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Mira Co., Marion Bridge
Category: Word List
bloigh: Quotation: Bloigh dhan an t-sràic. Notes: in reply to someone’s question, e.g. “Dé a bha sibh a’ cur ris an diugh?” “Very little” or “nothing of consequence”.
Location: Lewis, Barvas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bloineigein: n. ‘name of herb’: bha rud ann ris an canadh iad ~, luibh a bha ’ fàs a-muigh; dh’fhaithnghinn a bh. an-diugh
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
blàidhealtrach: warm and dewy. (An Gàidheal. Feb. 53. p. 9.)
Location: ? [Eriskay – see below]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
blàr: “Bha blàr de na h-itean air an liana far an robh an clamhan air calman a spidreadh.”
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
blàr: Notes: white patch on an animal’s forehead.
Origin: North Uist
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
blàr geal: a white streak in an animal’s coat.
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
blàr iomain: Chan eil mi cinnteach nach e blàr iomain a bh’ aca air an raoin far am biodh an t-iomain air a dhèanamh.
Origin: Leodhas [Lewis], Uig
Category: Cur-seachadan: Dèideagan, Geamaichean is Farpaisean / Recreation: Toys, Games, Contests
blàrag: nn f. ‘cow with blaze on forehead’: ~ a’ dol dhan choillidh [iç] ‘s a h-aghaidh [-iç] air an taigh? tuagh
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
blàras: “Nochd e a nall ’sam blàras sin air.” (air a aodann) (duine) (Bidh seo na’s fheàrr air a shoilleireachadh anns an làthair.)
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
blàth: as in: “Cha robh blàth aige sin air an rud a thainig as a dheidh.” The [sic] seems to mean to have an effect on something.
Location: South Uist, Stoneybridge
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
blàthaich: Quotation: (West Side) Blàthaichidh an caoran dubh e fhéin mus blàthaich e duin’ eile.
Location: Lewis
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
blàthsor: could it be blàthmhor or perhaps this is an ‘old’ rendering. [SLIP: Suggests it is an old rendering of ‘blàthmhor’.]
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
blèr: made from wool [?] or cotton, made fine with an axe and mixed with tar and inserted between planks to keep watertight.
Location: Harris, Kyles Stockinish
Category: Togail Bhàtaichean / Boat-Building
boban: [Bobbin.] Air taobh an ear an eilein agus sìos an Taobh Siar.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Obair na Clòimhe / Wool-Working
bobhta cartach: an iron pin which went through the block into the axle.
Location: North Uist, Iollaraigh [Illeray]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
boc an lochan (m): water-ouzel. Mis-spelt “bog” in some dictionaries as there was no pre-asp. of “c” (chc) in E. and S.W.
Origin: [Strathglass]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
boc-an-lòin (m): snipe. Mis-spelt “bog” in some dictionaries as there was no pre-asp. of “c” (chc) in E. and S.W.
Origin: [Strathglass]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bocan: “Tha bocan anns na brògan aige.” – Na casan fliuch. Iad a’ dìosgail leis an fhliuchadh.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bod-a-sgeing: [bɔd̪əsɡʹ[ɤ̃ĩ]ɡʹ] Quot.: “Rinn thu bod-a-sgeing dheth.” Note: You made an unholy mess of it.
Origin: [Ness]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bodach: Quotation: A’ bhodaich bhochd! Notes: said to an old dog.
Location: Tiree, [Caolas? – one slip]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bodach sgilidh: an instrument used for shelling grain.
Location: South Uist, Daliburgh
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bodach-corra: One left over. A left over. An odd one.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bodach-sàbhaidh: Note: the figure of a man, its hands stretched out in front of it holding a stick which came down at an angle and passed under its feet. A potato, for balance, was stuck on its lower end. The man then was put standing on a line and it swayed backwards and forwards without toppling.
Origin: Uig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bodach-sàbhaidh (E): Cudthrom freagarrach sam bith dheanadh e a’ chùis. Nuair a chuireadh sibh am bodach air ghluasad, bheir e ùine mhór ag [?] air an t-sàbhadh mus stadadh e. Meud a’ bhodaich: 9", no na bu mhotha, an cumantas. E dèanta de fhiodh.

Origin: Leodhas [Lewis], Uig
Category: Cur-seachadan: Dèideagan, Geamaichean is Farpaisean / Recreation: Toys, Games, Contests
bodachan-sàbhaidh: Notes: a pivotal toy, consisting of a potato which was attached to an angular piece of wood with serrated lower edge. When placed on a fulcrum, and set in motion, the bodachan-sàbhaidh (“the little old saw-man”, lit. “of sawing”) would continue to swing backwards and forwards for an indefinite period if properly balanced. This balancing was considered to be something of an art.
Location: Tiree, [Caolas? – one slip]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bodaraisean: [bɔd̪əɾɑʃɑṉ] Note: a supernatural beast of some kind seen on lochs. Perhaps something akin to an “each-uisge”.
Origin: [Caversta]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bodhar: [b̥ɔuʷər] horse – word from an old song.
Location: Tummel and Rannoch
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bodrachan (bod-chrann): strap o’n strathair a bha dol mu’n cuairt earball an eich air son a luchd na’n t-eallach a chumail gun a dhol thairis air mullach cinn an eich, a dol sios leathad. (From “bod” – seann fhachal [sic] air son earball agus “crann” – uidheam, ceangail.)

Origin: [Taransay]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
bog an tòn: wagtail.
Location: Skye
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bogadair: piston. I have heard of a piston in an engine being referred to as ‘am bogadair mór’ as it bobs up and down.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bogaide: piston, or anything moving piston fashion in engineering. Old folk on Scalpay seeing such movement of an engine piston or understood such: referred to the piston (‘fishermen of the old “college”’) referred to the ‘piston’ (matter) likewise: Seo am bogaide mór. (invented?)
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bogha-froisg / -sig, -seadh: nn ‘rainbow’: ‘s e rud neònach a th’ ionnta cuideachd, bogha-froisig [sic] sa mhadainn ach ‘s e soighne stoirm a th’ ann agus am bogha-froiseadh feasgar __ {FMM] __ tha an t-sìde ‘
dol a bhith math [MAE]
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
bogh’-an-t-salachair: permanent underwater (or ‘submarine’) rock, its name signifying reef seaweed, etc. at its proximity.
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
boglach (E): [Boglach agus cruadhlach.] Na dhà an ceart-aghaidh a chèile. Boglach – bog, cruadhlach – cruaidh.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Cruth na Tìre / Landscape Features
boidhteadh: Quot.: “a’ boidhteadh an dubhain”. Note: putting a worm on a fishing hook.
Origin: [Lewis], Arnol
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
boinnaid: an earmark.
Location: South Uist, South Lochboisdale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
boinne taig: Notes: persistent drop of rain. Also used in an erotic sense of fluid appearing from penis in state of sexual arousal.
Origin: Skye
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
boinne-taige: Quot.: “Tha boinne-taig’ aice.” Note: said if one felt a few drops of rain. Also used for sweat. “Tha boinne-taige dheth le fallus.” or “Tha boinne-taige fon an t-sròin aige gun abhsadh” – drip at the end of his nose.
Origin: [Barvas]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
boinnearachd: wetness, water, sea. “An sgadan a’ snàmh ’sa bhoinnearachd.”
Location: Skye
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
boireannach-trom: pregnant woman. If it happened that someone threw an object and hit a pregnant woman the results could be a birthmark being on the child when born.
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bois: Quot.: “bois an dubhain”. Note: the flat part at the end of a hook.
Origin: Crowlista
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Boit no boite: (Bait) Tha an lion beag air a bhiathadh ann an sgùil, le boite ga chur air gach dubhan.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
bolgam: nn. ‘mouthful’: agus uisge aca ann an tube bheag ‘s dh’fheumainn-sa ~ [pɒɫɒkən]’ thoirt às
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
bonaid: Quotation: “Bonaid an fhodair”. Notes: Said of a person who went from house to collect fodder in the spring. They would say, “Tha bonaid an fhodair air.”
Origin: Benbecula
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bonaid: Quot.: “Bha iad ag argumaid greis ’s an uairsin chaidh bonaidean am poll.” or “Chuir iad bonaidean am poll.” Note: They started fighting.
Origin: [Barvas]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bonaid-cluasach: Bonaid agus lapaidean air a thigeadh a nuas mu do chluasan. Thogadh tu na lapaidean an àirde agus chuireadh tu iad air putan a bh’air mullach a’ bhonaid. Dheanadh e bonaid cumanta agus bonaid-cluasach.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bonaid-luachrach: Bonaid de luachair a bhiodh sinn a’ deanamh anns an aois oig. Bha e mar seo:

Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bonaid-roimh: Bonaid aodaich (tha mi ’n dùil) agus bil air a chùlaobh ’s air a bheulaibh. Fore and aft peak. Bil bhog, cha b’e tè chruaidh. Bha e rudeigin mar seo shìos. Dèanta aig an tigh, shaoilinn a bha e. Chan fhaca mise gin aca a riamh.

Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bonn: an iron board located behind the plough sock. Ensured the plough ran smoothly and even when ploughing.
Location: North Uist, Iollaraigh [Illeray]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bonn: nn ‘bottom’: a-staigh air __ fo bh. Toll; shuas am ~ na beinne; shuas an seo __ air bonn a’ Cheap
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
bonn: Quotation: Thug na buinn leis – sole of the foot. Thug e dha bonn òir/airgid – coin. “Bi thusa dol a null ’s a nall gus an ruig thu bonn na clais, ’s chan eil air ma tha e gann, ach na th’ann a thoirt as.” – the lowest part.
Origin: West Lewis [the location given on the slips]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bonn ...: an stéidh
Origin: Geàrrloch (Loch Iubh) [Gairloch (Loch Ewe)]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
bonn an dreasair: the bottom or cupboard part of the dresser.
Origin: Eileanaich [natives of Lewis]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
bonn dà thasdan: if an animal was suspected of being cast under a spell this coin would be placed in a basin of water. Thereafter the water was stirred and sprinkled on the animal. This was supposed to free the animal from the spell. The coin was believed to be the alleviating agent.
Location: South Uist, Milton
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bonnach bois: aig an obair.
Location: Na Hearadh, Gòbhaig [Harris, Gobhaig]
Category: Biadh is Deoch / Food and Drink
bonnach luirg: expression which asks whether a cow has calved. “An robh bonnach luirg aice fhathast.”
Location: North Uist, Grimsay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bonnach-bois: [bɔ̃n̪ɑxbɔʃ] Note: an oatmeal cake made with the hands (not using a “clàr-fuinne”) about 1" thick and stood beside the fire to bake.
Origin: Crowlista
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bonnach-boise: Bonnach a bhiodh na cailleachan a’ deanamh air am bois agus ’g a bhruiche ri lic. (Leac, ’se sin leac-arain.) Bha bonnach aca ’s an Eilean Sgitheanach agus ’se ‘bonnach-luathadh’ a bh’aca air.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bonnach-carrach: Note: a bannock, of barley originally, with an egg mix put on top. (He said scrambled eggs.)
Origin: [Lewis], Arnol
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bonnag: Quotation: A’ dol a ruith nam bonnag. Oidhche nam bonnag. An robh thu air na bonnagan. Notes: same as Oidhche Challuinn. Also duan nam bonnag.
Location: Lewis, Barvas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bonnag: Feumaidh mi innse mu an seo ceart uaireigin eile.

Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Leabhar Deilbh / Drawing Book
bonnan: nn ‘little coin’: pl.: ~an beaga deich centachan
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
borbair: Airson barbair. Uan òg agus na casan cinn aige cam mar a chunnaic sibh iomadach uair, ’se ‘borbair’ a th’aca air againne. Is ann as déidh borbair a bh’ann an Steòrnabhagh agus casan cam aige a thàinig an t-ainm.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
borbair: nn ‘barber’: am ~ a tha shuas an sin
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
Bord an Tighearn: Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
bord ùrach: pios tilgeal an sgrath gu aon taobh.
Location: Na Hearadh [Harris], Finsbay
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
bot (E): Cho fada agus is aithne dhomsa, chan ann mar anns na faclairean a tha sealladh air ‘bot’ againne idir. Ach àite bog, toll, fèith, no mar sin (cruinn no mar sin) anns an deadh caora an sàs, no anns an deadh i anns an rathad.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Cruth na Tìre / Landscape Features
bota (): [masc.] an unused bog which had a peat face.
Origin: Ratharsaireach [Raasay]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
botail: said of a person with a lot of courage and character. “’S ann a bha an companach botail.”
Location: South Uist, South Lochboisdale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
both-shìthean: Blàth-fhleasg a bhiodh sinn a’ deanamh le dìthean agus ’ga chur mu ar n-amhaich. ’Se ‘paidirean’ a chanas iad ris ann an Nis ann an Leòdhas, ach ’se ‘both-shìthean’ a chanas sinne ris. Sìthean, ’se sin a chanas sinne ri dìthean. ‘Both’, chan eil fhios agam an e ‘beau’, no ‘both’, no gu dé, a th’ann.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bothag an tairbh: the bull’s house.
Origin: Barra
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
bothag chearc: faisg air an taigh.
Origin: Na Hearadh [Harris]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
bothag-chearc (I): Deanta le sgrathan. Bhiodh sinn a’ deanamh fosgalan (E) aig dorus bothag nan cearc. Tha e coltach gu’n cumadh seo na fithich agus na starragan gun a dhol a steach do an bhothaig a chur dragh air na cearcan.

Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
botherig: vb ‘annoy, trouble’: vbl nn: bhiodh iad ga bhotherigeadh; bha p[easair [‘wild peas, rye’] __ bha i ‘ ~eadh an duine seo uamhasach
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
bousadaich: jumping up and down as on a sofa, or on a floor as: a’ bousadaich air an làr – ‘bouncing’ on the floor.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bra(th): crowd. [NOTES: note added – Thainig bràth orm. Bha an t-àite bràth le daoine.]
Origin: [Note: From North Uist, information from Alex O’Henley / RÓM 4 Dec 2023]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
brachadair: Notes: maltman in distilleries. An àrd bhrachadair – head maltman.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
brachdlaich: [See braclaich.] [SLIP: An old boat.]
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
brachlaig: an unclean, untidy person.
Location: South Uist, Lochcarnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
braclach: Quotation: braclach bhoireannach. Notes: an untidy woman.
Location: Skye, Breakish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
braclach: [bɾɑxkɫɑx] Quotation: (1) braclach an t-sionnaich. (2) Tha braclach tigh aige. (3) ’S e braclach duine th’ann. Notes: (1) den. (2) and (3) used for a state of dirtiness, untidiness.
Location: Skye, Stein
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
braclaich: old version, boat, or an old version of a boat.
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
brad: Quotation: Tha ’m brad fearainn an sin. Notes: That is a good field there.
Location: Sutherland, Golspie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bradan: [brɑ˖dɑ˖n] Notes: an inflamed area caused by the swelling of a vein or capillaries.
Location: Ross of Mull
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
brag: Quotation: (1) Leig e brag. (2) Leigidh e brag là air choir-eigin. Notes: (1) a loud bang, blow or explosion. (2) used e.g. when speaking of a person who is always on the go, perhaps doing too much. Things will come to an abrupt halt one day. Used generally in this sense.
Location: Lewis, Barvas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
brag: Quotation: Mu’m bragadh tu cnò. Notes: In the twinkling of an eye.
Location: Skye, Elgol
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
brag-a-bhaile: an upstart of a man.
Location: South Uist, Bornish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bragair: nn ‘champion’ chuirinn an cù __ bochd dhan t-seileir: ~ clìor do chù ‘ bh’ ann cuideachd, ‘s e, ~ do chù
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
braide: theft. An rud a fhuair braide, ghoid braidean (common in Scalpay).
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
braig an scornain: larynx.
Origin: [Arran]
Category: Crodh / Cattle
braigh-an-scornain: larynx.
Origin: [Arran]
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
braighe-an-taighe: The sleeping quarters held two to three four-poster beds, a table in centre of room, sometimes a ‘séis’ [q.v.] along the partition and two or more small chairs. Beds were nicely curtained with home grown linen.
Origin: Skye
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
bramalaid: Cho coltach ri facal a bhiodh aca ’s na Hearadh. Dìreach mar facal a thigeadh bho bheul “A’ Bhonnaich” as an Scarp. [NOTES: one of the words suggested in the questionnaire – ‘a lazy, useless woman’.]
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Nàdur an Duine / Personality
branndair: [bɾ[ɑu̜]n̪d̪ɑɾ] Notes: could be the grating in front of an open fire for making scones.
Location: Skye, Breakish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
branndair: Note: wire grill which stood in front of an open fire. Oatcakes, etc. baked propped up against it.
Location: Harris, Grosebay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
branndair: Quotation: branndair an dreasair. Notes: slatted shelf under the dresser where pails of water were usually kept.
Location: Skye, Kilmuir
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
branndair: an iron frame or rail round a range or fire.
Location: South Uist, South Lochboisdale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
brat: nn : pl.: ~an [pra h tən] ‘bedspreads
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
brath: 1 vb ‘permit’: tha mi’ creidsinn gun tig iomdha concert mum bi iad air an choncert, Dia ‘ tha ‘ ~
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
breac: Quotation: breac an t-sìl. Notes: wagtail.
Origin: North Uist
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
breac an rionnaich: Quotation: Breac-an-rionnaich anns an adhar, là math am màireach. Notes: cirrus cloud formation.
Origin: Skye
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
breac an t-sìl: wheatear.
Location: Harris, Leverburgh
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
breac an t-sìl: Location: Mull [see below for details]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
breac an t-sìl: Note: pied wagtail.
Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
breac an t-sìl (f), breacan sìl (pl): pied wagtail.
Origin: [Tiree]
Category: Eòin Thiriodh / Birds of Tiree
breac-a-rionnaich: Quotation: Breac-a-rionnaich ás an adhar, latha math a-màireach. Notes: Reminded of this by Auntie Chrissie (Tong and Canada). Dw. has breacadh-rionnaich ‘dappled sky’.
Location: Lewis
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
breac-an-t-sìl: a little speckled bird with a long tail seen in spring when the ploughing was done.
Location: South Uist, Kildonan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
breac-an-t’ sil: wagtail. [NOTES: ‘sil’ written in second hand – not clear what the original word was (àil?).]
Category: Eòin / Birds
breacadh: a’ gearradh an réisg le spaid air fad a’ phuill agus air a leud airson a’ mhòine a rùsgadh.
Origin: Borraraig [Skye, Boreraig]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
breacadh: a speckling, e.g. Tha breacadh de shneachd air an talamh. There is a sprinkling of snow on the ground.
Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
breacadh: e.g. breacadh an teine. Known in some places as ‘Breacan Mairi Ùisdean’.
Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
breacadh: ‘fire-prints on the feet’ caused by continually sitting by a large fire and the feet bare, gradually the fire impression sets in. I cannot think of an English word for it at the moment. [SLIP: “Fire-prints” on feet.]
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris,Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
breacadh an rionnaich: a streaky sky with light and dark blue.
Location: Na Hearadh, Gòbhaig [Harris, Gobhaig]
Category: Sìde / Weather
breacadh an rionnaich: Location: Na Hearadh, Gòbhaig [Harris, Gobhaig]
Category: Sìde / Weather
breacadh an teine: this was the reddening effect the fire had on your legs.
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
breacadh an teinidh: fireside tartan. (‘teinidh’ – Tiree nom. gen. and dative of ‘teine’.)
Origin: Tiriodh [Tiree]
Category: Coltas an Duine / Personal Appearance
breacadh-an-teine: Note: skin becoming speckled on exposure to intense heat.
Origin: Carloway, Doune
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
breacan: Quotation: breacan an teine. Notes: the pattern made on the legs caused by proximity to the fire.
Location: Ross-shire, Aultbea
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
breachd: seize, catch. “An do bhreac thu air?” (T.G.S.I., 29)
Location: Inverness
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
breamag: Common acorn barnacle. Cha bhi iad so a’ siubhal mar bàirnich nan sgeir idir. Gheibhear iad ann an lùin gle fhaisg air an tiùrr. ’S ann geall geal a tha am biadhadh aca, agus uaireanan buidhe. ’Se an éigin a bheireadh air iasgair an toirt chun a’ chreagaich, agus is ann glamhach a bhiodh an t-iasg a shluigeadh iad. Cha bhiodh sinn ’gan itheadh.
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness, Lionel
Category: Maorach / Shellfish
breeze -an: nn ‘little steady wind’: ~ do shoirbheas
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
breith: Quotation: Bha e [bɾɛxk] air. Notes: He was catching it. (As if an abbrev. of “breitheachd”.)
Origin: Glenurquhart
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
breithnich: [bɾɛ̃ṉiç] Quotation: a’ breithneachadh an t-sìde. Notes: predicting the weather.
Location: Skye, Portree
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
breoite: an all round frailty as opposed to the one frailty indicated by the word ‘gaiseach’ [q.v.]. “Duine breoite” – a frail, fragile person. [NOTES: corrected to ‘breòite’.]
Location: South Uist, Daliburgh
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bricead: [bɾıcəd̪] Quot.: Tha bricead ann. Note: noun from “breac” – speckled. Might also say “Tha nàdur bricich [bɾiciç] anns an aghaidh aige”.
Origin: [Lewis], Arnol
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bridean: Quotation: Bha e cho eòlach ’s a bha ’m bridean ’s an tràigh.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
brigeadh: a deanamh striochd le oisean na spaide ’g bualadh air an talamh mar a bhios neach a bhios a’ cur buntàta ni e striochd air meud a cheap… brig an toiseachd e.
Location: Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
briogais: [bɾwɡiʃ] Notes: breeches, tied just below the knee. Not used for “trousers”. Wearing the “briogais” at one time was considered a cut above the ordinary. “Tha i ’n deidh an fhear ud a phòsadh – tha briogais air.”
Origin: Assynt, Stoer
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
brisgeanach: Quotation: Là Fheill Brìghde brisgeanach, thig an ceann do’n chaitinneach, buinnich an fhaochag air a’ bhàirneach, agus thig nighean Iomhair as an toll. Notes: nighean Iomhair – snake.
Origin: Islay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
brist: vb ‘break, fracture’: bhristeas crobh an am fear eile; vbl nn.:bhiodh crodh a’ ~eadh a-staigh __ dhan chladh; a’ bristeadh nan leacan uaghach
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
bristeadh: nn : ~ an latha: 'daybreak' [FMM]
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
brochan: Quotation: brochan càith. Notes: the husks were boiled and strained. Like pease broth and considered an excellent dish.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
brochan: Quotation: Tha brochan as an uchd aige. Notes: rough wheezing in the chest – like “cròchan” in Lewis.
Location: Tiree
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
brochan-cail ( brochan-càil): [pron.] B’ e seo brochan a bhiodh iad a’ toirt dhaibh airson galair sam bith – galairean cumanta ’s galairean buailteach. Do an chrodh-dhubh, co dhiu. Brochan, brochan mine, air a dheanamh agus geir agus gnothaichean gorma air a phronnadh troimhe (càl, chanainn, ’s gnothaichean gorma mar sin a bhiodh ri làimh agus feumail). Chan fhaca ’s cha chuala mi a riamh brochan-càil mar seo againne.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Crodh / Cattle
brog: Notes: an awl with a flattened tip.
Location: Coll, Sorrisdale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
brog chruinn: ris an druim airson sàil a chruinn.
Location: Na Hearadh, Gòbhaig [Harris, Gobhaig]
Category: Eathraichean / Boats
brogach: nn ‘boy of a certain age’: [FMM]; cò a-nist am ~ a tha siud? ~ muinntir an taighe?
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
brogaiche no brogach: Cha chreid mi gu bheil am facal ’sa ann an Leòdhas air fad. [NOTES: one of the words suggested in the questionnaire – ‘a spry old man’.]
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Nàdur an Duine / Personality
broigheadh: [bɾ[ɤı]əɣ] Quot.: “Thug e broigheadh as.” Note: a sudden bracing of oneself, e.g. resulting from a sudden fright. Also: “Chuir mi broigheadh air an each.”
Origin: [Ness]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
broighleagan: [bɾ[ɤı]lɑɡəṉ] Quotation: Thuit an copan orm ’s chaidh e na bhroighleagan air a’ làr. Notes: small broken pieces of something brittle.
Location: Lewis, Barvas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
broilean: dùis, muinne an am pàirt deth Leodhas.
Location: Na Hearadh, Gòbhaig [Harris, Gobhaig]
Category: Biadh is Deoch / Food and Drink
broilein: [bɾɔlɛ̃nʹ] Quotation: am broilein. Notes: the part of an animal’s stomach full of folds on the inside.
Origin: North Uist
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
broinn: usually applied to the inside in general. An a bhroinn na caora.
Origin: Assynt, Stoer
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
Broinn no Mionach na sgùil: So mu mheadhon na sgùil, bho bun a’ bheòil gu faisg air an deireadh.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
brothalan (?): scab showing on the face caused by eating too much seaweed, or eating excess of
it, also noticeable in sheep often on the shore. Cure: giving the animal fat to eat,
margarine, etc. (I would say this [i.e. brothalan] is the name for the explanation. I am not
quite certain: is an old form beginning to go [?] if not out of use now.)
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Blàthan-Leighis / Medicinal Plants
bruaillean: [bɾu̟ɤlʹɛnʹ] Quotation: Chuir e bruaillean air an inntinn agam. Notes: It got me worried.
Location: Skye, Breakish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bruimiseach: [bɾw̃miʃɔx] Quot.: “Rinn e bruimiseach dheth.” Note: He made an unholy mess of it.
Origin: [Ness]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bruthainneach: Quot.: là bruthainneach. Note: an oppressive day, warm and close.
Location: Lewis, Uig, Crowlista
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bràigh: Quotation: bràigh an tighe. Notes: bedroom in a blackhouse.
Location: Skye, Kilmuir
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bràigh a’ bhalla: an annainn (eaves).
Origin: Geàrrloch (Loch Iubh) [Gairloch (Loch Ewe)]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
bràighe-an-taighe: Upper room, the sleeping quarters.
Origin: Skye
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
bré-lochan: [bɾe:ɫɔxɑṉ] Notes: an area of boggy ground.
Location: Achlyness
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bréid: “A’ cur bréid oirre” – air tearainneach, gus nach fhaigheadh an rùd air a reitheachd. Bréid mar an ceudna air uan-reith no rùd òg gus nach fhaigheadh e air reitheachd a dheanamh. Caora bho a cùlaobh. Bréid oirre (de phoca no de oighlisgean). Bréid air rùd (fo an mhionach).

Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
brìdeagan: Quotation: Chaidh i as a brìdeagan leis an eagal. Notes: She went out of her wits with fright. (See SGS XI, p. 41.) Brìdeag: doll maids made in image of St Bride. On St Bride’s night, maiden was supposed to have this doll or dolls, to go with it to an outhouse in darkness and alone, and stay there till she heard St Bride giving name of future husband.
Origin: Skye
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
brìg: aig an taigh a’ cur na mona an tòrr sgiobalta.
Origin: Camaschros an sgìre Shléite san Eilean Sgitheanach [Skye, Camus Chroise]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
Brìghde: Quotation: Là Fheill Brìghde brisgeanach, thig an ceann do’n chaitinneach, buinnich an fhaochag air a’ bhàirneach, agus thig nighean Iomhair as an toll. Notes: nighean Iomhair – snake.
Origin: Islay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Brìghid: nn f. ‘St Brigid’: ‘s e Latha Brìghdeadh a bh’ aca air a’ cheud latha dhan earrach. ‘Thàinig Latha Brìghde: bheir sgìdein dhachaigh an connadh’ [FMM
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
bròg: Quotation: bròg an eich. Notes: hoof.
Location: Tiree, Cornaigbeg
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bròg-an-eich: Notes: marsh marigold.
Origin: Skye
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
brògach: Dorch, no dorch, dorch ’s an aodann ach gun a bhith uile gu léir dubh. [Cf. dubh-cheannach]
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
brògach: Quotation: caora bhrògach. Catriona Mhór: “Hitler! b’e sin an Dia brògach!” Notes: shabby, etc. Special kind of sheep? Not in Dw.
Location: Lewis
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bròn-mara: Quot.: “’S e bròn-mara a th’ann an diugh.” Note: it’s a flat calm today.
Origin: [Lewis], Uig, Valtos
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
brùiteag: A thuilleadh air na tha an seo shuas, tha ainm againn air faochag bheag, bhrèagha, dhearg a gheibhear an dràsda ’s a rithist am measg chaich. Le iongantach mur a h-e ‘brùideag’ a bhios an seo. (Faic brùideag.) Chan eil an t-ainm Beurla no an t-ainm Laidinn air a’ chreutar-sa agam.
Origin: Lewis, Uig an Iar
Category: Maorach / Shellfish
Buabhall: ‘Bualla’ a chanas sinne. ‘Stàla’, an eich, a chanas sinn.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
buaidh: n. ‘conquest’: fhuair Sasainn ~ air an fhearann ’s air Nova Scotia
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Mira Co., Marion Bridge
Category: Word List
buail: Quotation: a’ bualadh an t-ìm. Notes: to take the buttermilk out of it.
Location: Skye, Breakish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
buail: vb. ‘strike’: bhualadh e aig an dorast agam-as
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
buail: vb ‘strike’: bh. am pàthadh iad; bh. e na inntinn e; gun do bh. e ann am pot a dh’airgead; vbl nn.: gu robh am pàthadh an deoghaidh a bhualadh
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
buail-an-t-òrd: Note: a kind of beetle which, if its head is kept down, lifts and drops its body hammer-fashion.
Origin: Crowlista
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
buail-an-t-òrd: Notes: a beetle which makes a striking noise. (Dw. Buail a’ chnag – Balm cricket.)
Location: Raasay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
buaile: Quotation: Cuiridh sinn an crodh do’n bhuaile. Notes: stall.
Location: Coll, Arinagour
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Buaill as mo dheibhaidh e: this phrase would be applied to a boorish, ignorant person. In other words should be treated like an animal. [NOTES: ‘buaill’ corrected to ‘buail’.]
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
buaille: an enclosed area on croft land where cattle could be pastured. [NOTES: corrected to ‘buaile’.]
Location: South Uist, Iochdar, Ardivachar
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
buailtean: a flail for thrashing the corn, etc. Cha robh cuip a bh’air an cùlabh nach deanadh a chùis ’na bhuailtean; orra mo dhùirn orra a thopan, ’s mo sheachd mollachd aig an cluasan. – song (Harris), (a Harris song). Reference to rats; here ‘cuip’ indicates their tail(s).
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
buain: Toisichear a’ buain a’ phuill aig a’ cheann no aig earball – a reir ’s gu de an àirde gam bi aodann a’ phuill ag amharc. Co dhiù feumaidh smeachan an tairsgeir a bhith gu do chois dheis.
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
buain leotha fhein: Tha so a’ ciallachadh an rud a tha e ’g radh. Cha chuireadh iad so sgiobadh a mach idir.
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
bualadh: a term associated with cattle, they attack human beings in an impulse causing them to rouse into a fighting fashion with their heads. Tha ’m bualadh ann. Tha e bualadh. Tha nàdur bualaidh ann.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bualadh an t-sùlaire: collective name for the dive of a gannet.
Location: South Uist, West Kilbride
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bualta: I am not quite sure of the meaning of this word at present – but the word is an authentic, Gaelic. Camus-a-bhualta (Harris). [NOTES: the slip is among the “Doubtful” words.]
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bualtach: [bu̜ɤɫt̪ɑx] Quot.: “Bhiodh i bualtach air an doille a thighinn oirre.” Note: We say [bu̟ɤlʹtʹɑx].
Origin: [Lewis], Arnol
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
buamastair: an ill-natured, rude man.
Location: Killearnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
buana, pl. buanachan: uaireiginn bha seann-daoine air a’ treòrachadh o thig [sic] gu tigh le cloinn gu bhi faodainn ‘deirig’ [?] neo greim bidhidh ’n uair nach robh e na comas dhaibh fhèin fhaodainn ’n uair nach robh duin ann a bhuineadh dhaibh gu sin a dheanamh. (2) Nuair a bha leithid seo de sheann daoine ’s nach b’ urrain dhaibh ach a dhol an eisimpleir chàich gu biodh sligh as fhosgladh dhaibh mar a bha ‘tighean air son na bochd neo tigh na bochd’. Bha ’m facal seo air a chleachdadh uaireiginn – ’s docha gu bheil e agaibh a cheana. [SLIP: Unclear, but connected with the time when old people, unable to fend for themselves and with no relatives of their own, would come to a house with children to get a bite to eat.]
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bufalair: buffalo. An e bufalair th’ann. A term used to denote if it’s bufalar [sic] meat, which (used to be) was consumed in the Highlands of Scotland years back.
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
buidhe: Quotation: an tinneas buidhe. Notes: jaundice.
Origin: North Uist
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
buidhe: adj. ‘yellow, bay’: an t-each ~
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
buidheag an t-samhraidh: buttercup.
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
buidheagan: Notes: yolk of an egg.
Origin: North Uist
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
buidseachd: n. ‘witchcraft’: bhiodh iad a’ bruidhinn ~; bha poidhle do bh. air innse dìreach air a’ bhaile air a bheil thu ann an seo
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
buidseachd: nn f. ‘witchcraft’: bha e air ~ air son rudeigin a dhèanamh; bha i car làn buidseach’ ‘s a leithid siud is an seo
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
buidseirich: vb. ‘butcher’: bh. mi caoraich an seo; bhuidseiricheadh tu dòbhliadhnach agus -- muc no dhà
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
buig anns an t-sìde: in the sense of mild weather.
Location: South Uist, Stoneybridge
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
buigneag (partan no crùbag): Crùbag no partan a tha air tilgeil na slige. Gheibh thu iad so ann an sgoran cho fada stigh ’sa gheibh iad. Chan fhiach iad an itheadh.
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness, Lionel
Category: Maorach / Shellfish
buileach: Quotation: “Cha ruig e buileach an taobh eile.” – It will not quite reach the other side. “Se sin as ’miosa buileach.” Notes: quite.
Origin: West Lewis [the location given on the slips]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
builg: Quotation: “Tha an t-iasg a’ builgeadh.” Notes: fish at play, breaking the surface and causing bubbles to form but not biting.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
builgeadh: Quotation: “Bha a’ soithean a’ builgeadh.” An ath bhuilgeadh ghabh i. Notes: fish breaking the surface.
Location: Skye, Sleat, Calligary
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
buille: Quotation: Cha digeadh e buille a nuas dha. Notes: used in reference to an argument between two people. “He stuck to his guns.”
Location: Lewis, Barvas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
buillig: [ˈbu̜lıɡʹ] Note: a plant growing among oats, very like the oats. Has an ear rather like oats. Wild oats? (Also in Barvas.)
Origin: Carloway, Doune
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
buill’-ìg: An oidhche bha òraid againn an uiridh aig Comunn Leòdhais agus na Hearadh, chuala mi trì ainmeannan nach robh agam roimhe. Bha seo aig R.R. MàcDhòmhnuill (“R.R.” mar a chanadh iad), maighstir-sgoile á Leòdhas againn fhìn. Bho thaobh siar an eilein. Tha e an diugh a chòmhnuidh am Burnside. (Bidh lorg aig Ruairidh, saoilidh mi, air an duine-sa.) 3. Buill’-ìg: b’e seo airson buille-thig no buill’-a-thig a bh’agam-sa anns an òraid. (Buille-thig: nuair a bhiodh sinn cas-ruisgte agus a gheibheadh an òrdag gu salach e mu chloich.) [Cf. na tòsagan, an spannadh.]
Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
buinneach: nn f. ‘diarrhoea’: dh’fhalbh an ‘Spiorad Naomh’ leis a’ bhuinnich; bha e coltach ris __ na seann flu’s a bhiomaid a’ gabhail bho chionn fhada, an t-seann bh. mhòr.
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
buinneagan: garden produce, of the leek ‘family’? ’S toigh leis an duin’ agam buinneagan, duilleagan ’s toigh leis ’n duin’ agam duilleagan càil? I am not, I am afraid, at the moment prepared to say what is the English equivalent?
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
buinnich: Quotation: Là Fheill Brìghde brisgeanach, thig an ceann do’n chaitinneach, buinnich an fhaochag air a’ bhàirneach, agus thig nighean Iomhair as an toll.
Origin: Islay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
buird-an-rathaid: Quotation: Bha an càr am buird-an-rathaid. Notes: ‘On the verge of the road.’
Origin: [North Uist?]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
buirreasg: a bit of wood which was placed on an animal’s face to prevent them from fighting. Had nails on the inside of the wood to act as a deterrent. [NOTES: corrected to ‘bùireasg’.]
Location: South Uist, South Glendale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
buis: [bɤ̈ʃ] Quotation: agus buis ann far a robh an roth a’ dol man cuairt air ceann na h asaill.
Location: Mull
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
buiseartach: applied to an ear playing piper.
Location: South Uist, Bornish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
buiseartach: an ear piper, one who has just picked it up on his own.
Location: South Uist, Bornish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
buisneach: mix up, an all out of place job. Rinn thu buisneach dhe. (Harris)
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bumailear: an awkward raw or rude sort of male, youth.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bumalair: an ignorant fellow.
Location: South Uist, Bornish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bun: Quotation: bun an t-slait. Notes: handle of rod.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bun an earbuill: rump.
Origin: [Arran]
Category: Crodh / Cattle
bun an earbuill: rump.
Origin: [Arran]
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
bun an iorbaill: rump.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
bun an t-sealasdair: a light grey colour was obtained from the root of the iris.
Location: South Uist, South Glendale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bun-an-arbhair: what’s left of the corn when cut in the ground.
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bun-sgòth: A muigh aig bun-sgòth. – A muigh cho fada ’s a chì an t-sùil, far am bheil am muir ’s an t-adhar a’ coinneachadh a chèile, mar a shaoilear. Cha chuala mi “bun-sgòth” a riamh air a chleachdadh ris an tìr.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
buna-bhuachaille: cormorant – an corr de bheatha.
Origin: [Tiree]
Category: Eòin Thiriodh / Birds of Tiree
buntata an t-soithich: Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
buntàta: Potato. Disease: rheumatism. Part used / How prepared: a potato with a slice cut
off. A potato carried by the patient in an inside pocket nearest to his skin, I believe. The
body seemingly responding someway to the potato? Sources of information:
traditionally.
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Blàthan-Leighis / Medicinal Plants
buntàta-grianach: B’e sin buntàta a bha pàirt dheth air a bhith air uachdar anns an talamh agus a ghrian air buaidh a thoirt air. Aon bhodach a b’ aithne dhomh ’se buntàta-grianach a b’fheàrr leis uair sam bith – a h-uile gin a gheibheadh e dhiubh. Cha bhiodh càch ’g an ithe idir.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
burraidh: [bu̜ri] Notes: an ignorant person.
Origin: North Uist
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
busach: Quotation: an at busach. Notes: mumps.
Origin: North Uist
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
butar sgionn: to go haywire. “Tha an saoghal air a dhol butar sgionn.”
Location: North Uist, [Carinish], Cnoc Cuidhein [Knockquien]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bàdhun: Quotation: Bac’ a’ Bhàdhuin. Notes: this particular bank is situated on the site of an old hill fort, and it seems likely that bàdhun means a fort in this case.
Location: Tiree, [Caolas? – one slip]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bàireadh: a shinty game. See An Gaidheal 1956.
Location: Skye
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bàirneach: ‘Limpet’. ’S e bàirneach a bhiodh againn anns an Rudha air a’ bhàirnich bhig a gheibheadh sinn ann an gucaig carraic stamh is dh’itheadh sinn amh i. (Tha mi faicinn gur e ‘Coparran Muire’ a tha aig Father Allan air a’ bhàirnich bhig so ann an ‘Gaelic Words from South Uist’ page 62.) ’Se biadh a’ bhàirnich a bhiodh sinne a’ cleachdadh daonnan air a’ chreagach gus glacadh iasg ’sam bith a thadhaileadh a’ chreag. Cha bhiodh sinn ach ga slaopadh, bhiodh iad ro chruaidh le am bruiche. Bhiodh sinn a’ cagnadh a’ bhiadhaidh agus a’ cur a’ chagnaidh so, no pàirt dheth, ’na bhoite air an dubhan. ’Se gaorr a’ mhaoraich, no cac a’ mhaoraich, a theirte ri broinn bog na bàirnich. Gle bhlasda.
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness, Lionel
Category: Maorach / Shellfish
bàirneach: Quotation: Là Fheill Brìghde brisgeanach, thig an ceann do’n chaitinneach, buinnich an fhaochag air a’ bhàirneach, agus thig nighean Iomhair as an toll.
Origin: Islay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bàl dubh an dùdain: some form of a barn dance. One can envisage the black dust in older buildings being stirred as the dancing took place.
Location: South Uist, Lochcarnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bàn: Quotation: air an làmh bhàn. Notes: (heard in Lewis) on hire purchase, deferred payment.
Location: North Uist
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bàn: Quotation: “Leig e bàn am fearann.” (fallow – uncultivated) “Gearr a bhalaich, gearr, / Do mhòine fada bàn (pale) / ’S tu as deigh chàich.” Song of a fairy who came to help an old man. Bó bhan [sic] – white cow. Grunn de chearcan bàna – a flock (number) of white hens. An talamh bàn – the virgin soil, uncultivated ground, untouched, clean.
Origin: West Lewis [the location given on the slips]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bàog: as in what possessed you to do such a thing. “De an [sic] bàog a bhuaill thu sin a dheanamh.” [NOTES: note added above ‘o’ in ‘bàog’ – dh.]
Location: South Uist, Milton
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bàra: nn ‘[metal] bar’ : tha seansa gur e bàr-- ~ mòr a bha an taigh __
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
bàrdainn: advice. Fo bhàrdainn – under an advice given to leave a house, as say eviction. [SLIP: Advice; (example) – having been ‘advised’ to vacate a house – equivalent of an eviction order.]
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bàrr: Quotation: bàrr an t-slait. Notes: tip of the rod.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bàrr: nn ‘top, end’ : ~ a dhà choise sna stioraipean; pl. bha e fhèin ga chumail [= ceap] air ~an nam meòirean
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
bàrr moullainn: an ear mark with an L shape out in the sheep’s ear. [NOTES: note above ‘moullainn’ – ‘mobhllainn’.]
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bàrr-an-eòrna: giving [sic] to cattle in the event of, as termed in Gaelic, ‘glasadh
uisge’.
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Blàthan-Leighis / Medicinal Plants
bàrr-an-fhraoich: the blossom of the heather or top of the heather. [NOTES: slipped under ‘bàrr’ with ‘bàrr an fhraoich’ as the quotation. Definition: Blossom (or top) of heather.]
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bàs: Quotation: Fhuair e am bàs. Notes: only used of an animal or as insult to humans.
Location: Perthshire, Killin
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bàsadair: Poll anns an deacha beathach as an rathad – am bogadh, air an neo nach fhaghaidh e air leum as.
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
bàsaich: Quotation: A’ fear a bhàsaich leis an acras, fhuair e ’na dh’fhoghainn dha.
Location: Islay, Bowmore
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bàthadair: Poll monach – mar as tric poll ùr anns an deacha beathach a bhàthadh. Leanaidh na h-ainmeannan ris na puill sin ged a bhiodh an dà aodann air a dhol cho fada bho cheile is gun togadh tu caisteal eatorra. Cluinnidh tu, “Chunna mi caora leat air breith aig Bàthadair tuath (no deas, no’n ear, no’n iar) Uilleam Iain” no “aig Bàsadair an iar Dhomhnuill Bhàin.” Tha tuath, deas, etc. a’ ciallachadh an àirde a ghabh na puill anns a’ bhuain.
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
bàthadh an iaruinn: continuing with the above process when this iron rod [i.e. gabht/d iaruinn (q.v.)] had been heated and shaped into a circle, the cartwheel was placed inside this iron circle. Thereafter water was poured on quickly which resulted in the iron compressing and tightening round the wheel.
Location: South Uist, South Boisdale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bì: Quotation: eadar dà bhì an doruis. Notes: ? peering out through half-opened door.
Location: Harris, Ardhasaig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bìdearran: [bi:dʹərɑṉ] Note: gamhainn a bhiodh ag ith an fhionnaidh aig beathach eile.
Origin: Carloway, Doune
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bò bò: (interj.) to denote a turning away from what is prohibited by a parent or adult for a child to do, as attempting to run into an unsafe place, in particular into the night if he may find a door opened, etc. etc.; to frighten him.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bòrd an dreasair: the top or work surface of the dresser.
Origin: Eileanaich [natives of Lewis]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
bòrd an locha: edge of a loch.
Location: South Uist, Stilligarry
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bòrd-preise: a lid for a pot. Cha deanadh e bòrd-preise. – decrying the qualities of an ‘amature [sic] [amateur?] joiner’ or a handy man.
Location: [Harris], Scalpaigh [Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bòtunn-bheag: Tè mu an ghlùin. [Cf. bòtunn-mhór]
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bòtunn-mhór: Tè gu ceann na sliasaide. Tha fhios agaibh fhéin dé a th’ann bòtunn (bòtunn ann an Leòdhas). [Cf. bòtunn-bheag]
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bùidseir: n. ‘butcher’: crodh ’son an creic ris na ~ean ’son feòil
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Mira Co., Marion Bridge
Category: Word List
bùird-an-tuill: dividing boards in skiffs’ holds, for distributing catch.
Location: [Harris], Scalpay
Category: Iasgach an Sgadain / Herring-Fishing
bùireil: [bu̟:ðəl] Quot.: an tarbh a’ bùireil. Note: a bull bellowing. Barvas: “Tha bùirean aige.” – said of someone crying, usually a child.
Origin: Carloway, Doune
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bùirich an tairbh, daimh: Location: Na Hearadh, Gòbhaig [Harris, Gobhaig]
Category: Faireachdain / Senses
bùirseach: an advanced stage in drunkenness.
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bùn an urbaill: rump.
Origin: Ross of Mull
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
bùrach: Quotation: Bha an tigh ’na bhùrach. Bha e ann an bùrach. Notes: in a mess.
Location: Perthshire, Killin
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bùraich: Quotation: an tarbh a’ bùraich.
Origin: Tiree
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bùrail: Quotation: Tha Sloc an Ime (local gully) a’ bùrail. Notes: a sign that the wind was going to come from the north and would be strong.
Origin: Port Wemyss
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bùrn-an-iaruinn: (perhaps noted already) (also) water of a chemical sort of scum on the surface resembling iron: rusty appearance. [NOTES: slipped under ‘bùrn’ and ‘iarunn’ with ‘bùrn an iaruinn’ as the quotation. Definition: Water with a chemically-caused scum (of rusty appearance) on the surface.]
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bùrn-an-réisg: peat water. [See burn-réisg.]
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bùrn-iaruinn: Notes: water with an iron content.
Location: Lewis, Barvas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bùtag: an ulcer on an animal’s stomach. [NOTES: corrected to ‘butag’.]
Location: South Uist, West Kilbride
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
bùthag: toll san talamh air a’ chumadh seo air a lìnigeadh le comhlaich agus air a còmhdach le uir agus le pluic neo sgrathan. Mar bu trice air a dèanamh air an talamh bhuntàta no glè fhaisg air gus am buntàta a ghleidheadh gus an cuirte feum air.
Origin: [Barra]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
ca(dha): road, way: Glengarry – An Cà’ Ruadh, Black Isle – Craigiehow = Creag a’ Chodha.
Origin: [Strathglass]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cabair: maidean dol tarsuinn mullach an taighe.
Location: Harris, Leverburgh
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cabair: purlings. Bha dà sheòrsa ann. 1. Feadhainn fhada air an cur gu math dlùth air a chéile air na ceangail – air fad an tighe, air uachdar sin sgrathan is tughadh. 2. Tri cabair fhada ’nan laighe air na ceangail (tùbhan), taobhan recte [?], agus na cabair a bhàn is an àirde (sios is suas) air sin. Cha robhas ag cumadh no a rùsgadh nan cabair.

Origin: Geàrrloch (Loch Iubh) [Gairloch (Loch Ewe)]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
caban: Notes: an implement for breaking down lumps of earth after the soil was turned.
Origin: Glenurquhart
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
caban: an instrument used in capping.
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cabar-sladhaig: Cabar a bhiodh aig na bodaich airson tughadh an tighe. Nuair a bhiodh am bodach gu h-ìosal air an tobhta chuireadh e an tughadh ceart leis a’ chabar-sladhaig far nach ruigeadh e-fhéin.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cabhachan: Quotation: an cabhachan. Notes: the titlark (cuckoo’s attendant).
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cabhag: Quotation: Dh’fhalbh an ùin’ [ũ:nʹ] air sgiath na cabhaig. Notes: quotation.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cabhall (E): ’Ga chur anns na h-uillt airson nan dubh-breac. Bha e rudeigin mar seo. Bhiodh osan de an lìon a mach air a chùlaobh.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
cabhanaich: [sic] Quotation: ’S e cabhanaich beag de dh’oidhche a th’ann an dràsda. [NOTES: slipped under ‘camhanaich’.]
Location: Skye, Portree
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cabhull: lìon is poca oirre airson bric a ghlacadh air allt. Am beul air a chumail fosgailte le slat chrom sheilich. Bha dà ghàradh (aon bho gach taobh) air fhiaradh le fosgladh anns a’ mheadhon far an robh thu cur beul an lìn, ag gabhail do’n allt os cionn sin leis na clachan gus an rachadh an t-iasg sìos. Chì thu eileach mar so an iomadh àite air allt far a bheil ruith chòmhnard.
Origin: Geàrrloch (Loch Iubh) [Gairloch (Loch Ewe)]
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
Cac a’ mhaoraich: Mionach, no broinn bog na bairnich. Gle bhlasda ma bhios an t-acras ort air a’ chreagach.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
cachailean: [kɑxəlɑ̃ṉ] Notes: (1) an opening in a stone dyke through which cattle passed. (2) wooden gate with wooden hinges on it. (cachaileith usually)
Location: Skye, Kilmuir
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cachaileith: Quotation: Tea [sic] cnoc na cachalaidh gum b’ eagalach a neart a bh’innte, chuir i phoit a bhragadaich air cailleach Artur aig an Allt. Notes: gateway. Ancient right of way between two villages, but no gate; a pathway. Gates prob. unknown when hillock got its name. Source: W. Lewis.
Origin: West Lewis [the location given on the slips]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cachaillaidh: an opening in a wall with a ‘maide cachaillaidh’ placed across the gap.
Origin: [Note: From North Uist, information from Alex O’Henley / RÓM 4 Dec 2023]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cachalaidh: An opening in a dyke and which is closed by means of two or three planks (laid horizontally).
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
cachalaith: [kɑxəlɑi] Note: a gate, an opening in a wall.
Origin: Uig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cachda: Notes: something very bad, unfair. An adjective.
Origin: Skye
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cachdlaich: applied to an obnoxious person.
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cadalan-tràghad: sleep before the ebb, wee sleep. I am not sure of this compound word either. Does it mean the nap, wee nap people used to do before the ebb tide when engaged at sea-weed cutting in the Highlands of Scotland, or is it the name of a bird or shell-fish, but if you do not find any other definition, I think you will be ‘safe’ in noting the meaning I have here, see the bottom of page 5 [i.e. above] and thus: ’S ann a tha e cuimhneachadh dhomhsa an cadalan-tràghad. – reference to a ‘slow or easy going’ person. [SLIP: Sleep before the ebb; ref. to a slow and easy-going person.]
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris,Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cadsair: (also) fish retailer. A bheil an cadsair a bhos ’n diugh. (still in current use.)
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cafan: Note: a strong smell, usually bad, which catches one’s breath. “Tha cafan bhon an fheòil sin. Sad as i.”
Origin: [Lewis], Arnol
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cafan: Quot.: “Dùin an dorus agus mi direach ann an cafan na deathaich!” Note: cafan – the thick of the smoke. What an old woman, sitting on the side of the fire opposite to “dorus a’ stuill”, used to say.
Origin: [Barvas]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cafan: Quot.: Tha cafan gaoith a steach air an dorus. Note: a strong current of air.
Origin: Carloway, Doune
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cafarnaidh: [kɑfɑʴṉi] Notes: an opening, a gate. [NOTES: the turned r used for the symbol which is unclear in the original.]
Origin: Coigach
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
caibe-làir: an iron used for the ‘rusgadh’ [q.v.] and probably introduced from Sutherland.
Origin: Sgìre na Pàirc an Leódhas [Lewis, the Park district]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
caibh (f sound): sea spray travelling over land. “Tha caibh an t-sàil a’ milleadh na càraichean.” (Supplied by R. O’Henley.)
Origin: Baleshare
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
caibhear: Quotation: Bha ’n caibhear air an duine an raoir. Notes: broken condition of a person.
Location: Cape Breton
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
caidhleant: Quotation: (cainnleant?, but no noticeable nasality in my mother’s pron.) It would be difficult (for a man with an artificial limb) to take two buses, ged a bhiodh e caidhleant. Notes: complete, able-bodied (?). (I think I heard Rev. Murdoch Campbell, Resolis – of Ness origin – use a form that suggested a variation of coimhliont, with a long -oi- diphthong.)
Location: Lewis
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
caigealadh: “A’ caigealadh ris an leanabh.” – Faic caig.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
caile-bianan: Notes: Henderson, Norse Influence, 142, has an elaborate derivation. Dw. has coinnlean-bianain.
Location: Lewis
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
caileaba: used of an awkward and temperamental horse. Also used for human equivalent.
Location: North Uist, Grimsay, Cnoc Cuidhein [Knockquien]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
caileach-snighe: pertaining to a worm or some creature getting stuck in suit [sic]. (An old term which I remember hearing some time ago. I hazily think of this definition, probably any creature stuck therein.)
Location: [Harris], Scalpaigh [Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
caileach-truisg: a heavy cod (fish), with a swollen belly, of a greyish dull colour, perhaps compared to an old woman. (Scalpay) [NOTES: slipped under ‘cailleach-truisg’.]
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cailleach: Quotation: “Cuiridh mi a’ chailleach ort!” Notes: “I’ll beat you!” – said when competing to be the first finished in any work. (D.A.’s father maintained that formerly if there was, say, an old cripple of no fixed abode in the village then the last man to get the harvest in had to keep her for the winter.)
Origin: North Uist
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cailleach: Quotation: a’ chailleach. Notes: the line of turf bounding the bed in an àirigh. The bed itself had a bolster of machair, etc. Not in Dwelly, but note the semantic connection with his cailleach-baic ‘… the outside peat in a bank’.
Location: Lewis
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cailleach bheag bhrùigh: (Can ‘cailleach bheag bhrùgh’.) Seo gèim a bhiodh againn mar bu trice air an oidhche. A muigh.
Origin: Leodhas [Lewis], Uig
Category: Cur-seachadan: Dèideagan, Geamaichean is Farpaisean / Recreation: Toys, Games, Contests
caingeis: having no preference, not bothered either way. “Tha e caingeis dhaibh dè an taobh a thig iad.”
Location: North Uist, Iollathraigh [Illeray]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cainnean (E): Duine dìreach mar a shaoileadh sibh a rèir an ainm. Aithghearr, aithghearr anns an nàdur agus a théid ’n a theine airson rudan glé bheag. ’S mar sin. [NOTES: slipped under ‘cainean’. Definition: An upright man.]
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Nàdur an Duine / Personality
cainpe: [kɛ̃ṉɛpə] Quot.: “’S e la [kɛ̃ṉɛpə] a th’ann an diugh.” “Tha i [kɛṉɛpə] [sic] an diugh.” Note: a wild, stormy day.
Location: Harris, Quidinish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cairb: the bend on the saddle for an druim [q.v.].
Location: South Uist, Bornish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cairidh na beiste duibhe: an otter’s nest, usually on an island in the middle of a loch.
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Cairistiona: Name: Christina. Equivalents: Christian, Kirsty, Teenie, and for an old woman Kirstin (Zetland); Chirstina and Chirsty (Lewis); Christian, Chirsty and Chrissy (Skye).
Category: Ainmean Pearsanta Bhoireannach / Female Personal Names
cairteal an acair: quarter of an acre. This was the size of plot used for potatoes.
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cairteil: n. ‘quarter’: an ~ deiridh do mhuc
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
caisean: Quot.: an caisean. Note: Acc. to N.C. “bhiodh iad (nuair a mharbhadh iad caora) a deanamh gearradh sios gach a taobh dhan a mhaodal agus a toirt am pìos so as. Bhiodh iad an uairsin a dathadh a’ chloimh agus a’ bruich an caisean cómhla ris a’ cheanna-chasach [q.v.]”.
Origin: [Lewis], Arnol
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
caisil-chrò: is this the same as ‘cròleab’ – a funeral bier? “Caisil chrò air an robh corp a’ cheannaiche.”
Location: Barra, Earsharry [Earsary]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
caisleag(an): used of a rope which has come undone – “Air a dhol as a thoinneamh”. “Chaidh a ròpa na chaisleagan.”
Location: Barra, Ard Mhinish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
caith: Quotation: Meall is caith agus tilg nan luideagan air an dùnan iad.
Location: Islay, Port Wemyss
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
caitheamh: Quotation: (an) caitheadh. Notes: TB.
Origin: Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
caithris: Quotation: Am beil thu a’ dol a’ chaithris an nochd? Notes: Are you going to the wake tonight?
Origin: Assynt, Stoer
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
caitinneach: Quotation: Là Fheill Brìghde brisgeanach, thig an ceann do’n chaitinneach, buinnich an fhaochag air a’ bhàirneach, agus thig nighean Iomhair as an toll.
Origin: Islay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
caitse: Bhiodh dà acair aca airson nam bàtaichean, an acair-mhór ’s an acair-bheag. ’Se ‘an caitse’ a chanadh na bodaich ris an acair-bhig.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
calbhan: continual talk on the same subject. Thug e calbhan air an aon rud.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
calcus: roots found in peats – sometimes they stick to blade and make it difficult to cut peats, hence: glan an calcus far an iarunn. (Dry ‘calcus’ sometimes smoked when tobacco was scarce!)
Location: Lewis, Lochs, Leurbost
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
calg: Quot.: “calg air an eòrna”. Note: barley chaff.
Origin: [Lewis], Arnol
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
call: n. ‘loss’: duine sam bith air an tigeadh ~ mòr
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Mira Co., Marion Bridge
Category: Word List
call: nn ‘loss’: dh’fhaodadh e an cur air ch.
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
callaid: busy. Tha e anns an aon challaid gun sgur.
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
calp an acaire: the hemp rope between the boat and anchor.
Location: North Uist, Grimsay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
calpa: Quotation: an calpa. Notes: part of a tether; the length of rope between the swivel and the pin.
Origin: North Uist
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
calpa: a fishing hook’s unbended part. I think the flattened end to which the line is tied is or was named liath an dubhain, similar to liath an raimh (this was in one instance as regards the oar). [SLIP: The bottom, flat end of a fish-hook to which the line is tied.] [NOTES: ‘liath an dubhain’ has been slipped under ‘liath’. Definition: The end to which fishing line is tied.]
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris,Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Calpan: Gearr a mach as mu thri fichead pios anns an fhad a bhios tu ag iarraidh airson calpan na snotaichean.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
camaiceanan: Quotation: “Chaidh e ’na chamaiceanan sios an staidhre.” Notes: He tumbled awkwardly down the stairs.
Location: Lewis, Barvas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
caman: airson an iomain.
Origin: Leodhas [Lewis], Uig
Category: Cur-seachadan: Dèideagan, Geamaichean is Farpaisean / Recreation: Toys, Games, Contests
camard: Quotation: Bha ’n camard air. Notes: a stiff neck, perhaps from sleeping in an awkward position. [NOTES: slipped under ‘camart’.]
Location: Skye, Breakish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
camart: an inlet featuring a meandering, twisting river. One of these as you approach Lochmaddy from the south. Used to have settlement along its bank.
Location: North Uist, Lochportan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
campar: [kɑ̃ũ̟mpɑɾ] Quot.: “’S e chuir an campar orm.” Note: he really irked me.
Origin: [Barvas]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
camraic: an awkward, difficult person who disagrees with everything and everyone.
Location: North Uist, Tigharry
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
camus: “camus a roideadh” – mar uamh a tighinn a staigh ann an cladach.
Location: Na Hearadh [Harris], Cluer
Category: Cruth na Tìre / Landscape Features
canastair: can, ‘canister’. An canastair Gallda ’s a cheann air a ghearradh.
Location: [Harris], Scalpaigh [Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
canntail: was and still [is] occasionally [used] by some for canntainn, some referred to this as an incorrect version of cantainn [sic]. But I think not, or I wouldn’t say so myself. [SLIP: Verbal noun of ‘can’ ‘to say’ – alternative to ‘cantuinn’ but not regarded as good usage.]
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
caoch: Quotation: 1. an caoch. 2. cù caoich. Notes: 1. rabies. 2. a dog suffering from rabies.
Origin: Glenurquhart
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
caoibean (E): [The first five or six inches of warp uncrossed by the weft at the beginning of the web.] Feuch caoibean. Nuair a bhiodh na mnathan a luadh agus a thigeadh firionnach a steach do an chuideachd chanadh iad: “Nì e caoibean dhuinn.” “Nì Tormod caoibean dhuinn.” (Cha b’ann leis a’ ghruaim a chanadh iad seo.) (Fuaimnich: caoidh' agus bean.)
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Obair na Clòimhe / Wool-Working
caoidh: Quotation: “A’ caoidh an gàir a rinn thu ’n uiridh.”
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
caoin: Quotation: Dé a chaoin a th’air an òran? Notes: in common use.
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Irish Cove
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
caoin: n.: tha mise a’ toirt dha na ~ air an òran: an t-òran mu dheireadh, a’ ch. aige sin, aig a chuile gin
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
caoineachadh: Quotation: A caoineachadh an fheòir – seasoning the hay. Fiodh gun chaoineachadh – unseasoned wood.
Origin: West Lewis [the location given on the slips]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
caol: Quotation: caol-an-dùirn. Notes: wrist.
Location: Islay, Bowmore
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
caol: Quotation: caol-an-duirn [kw:ɫənd̪ɤ:ʴn]. Notes: wrist. [NOTES: the turned r used for the symbol which is unclear in the original.]
Origin: Drumguish, by Kingussie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
caol: Quotation: an caol-coise. Notes: slender part between calf and ankle.
Origin: Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
caol: Quotation: an caol druim [əŋɡöl dṟɪ̈m] [sic]. Notes: part of the back behind the shoulders.
Location: Ross of Mull
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
caol an earraich: [kəɫ ən jariç] [NOTES: slipped under ‘caol’ and ‘earrach’ with ‘caol an earraich’ as the quotation. Definition: Of animals, meaning ‘very thin’.]
Origin: Kill-Fhinn
Category: Crodh / Cattle
caol beag: tha an cliabh air a dheanamh air caol beag.
Origin: Borraraig [Skye, Boreraig]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
caolan: Quotation: an caolan tóin. Notes: anal passage.
Origin: Camusluanie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
caolan: dùis, muinne an am pàirt deth Leodhas.
Location: Na Hearadh, Gòbhaig [Harris, Gobhaig]
Category: Biadh is Deoch / Food and Drink
caolan: Quotation: an caolan geal [əɡɯ̜iɯ̜iɫɑnɡʹiɑɫ]. Notes: rectum.
Location: Ross of Mull
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
caolan: Quotation: caolain [kʹɯ̟ɯ̟ɫɑ˖nʹ]. Notes: intestines of an animal.
Location: Ross of Mull
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
caolanan-gorma: Tha againn ‘caolanan-gorma’. ’Se seo na caolanan beaga mar a tha ‘an t-snàil’ airson a’ chaolain mhóir. Anns a’ bhoin, ’se na caolanan-gorma de’m bheilear a’ deanamh nan lùban-dubha. Agus de an chaolan mhór thatar a’ deanamh nan ìsbeanan. Cho fada ’s a tha cuimhne agam-sa, cha chan sinn caolanan-gorma uair sam bith mu chaolanan na bà.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
caomhag: an endearing female, kind, well-liked etc., nighean òg chaomh.
Location: Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
caonnag: Quotation: an crodh a’ [kw̃:n̪ɑɡ] (sic). Notes: cattle gently butting and pushing but not fighting in earnest.
Origin: North Uist
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
caora: Quotation: An do lomair thu caoraich [kɛ̜rə]?
Location: Arran, Pirnmill
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
caora: sheep. An old genitive form was used as thus: ‘Cnoc Lag na Caoradh’ on Scalpay.
Location: [Harris], Scalpaigh [Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
caora bhleac an t-sléibhe: wild orchid. Children dug the wild orchids, the roots of which resembled the udder of a sheep, and said: ‘Caora-bhleac-an-t-sléibhe / ’S i ag eubhach le h-uan ’s le h-odhaisg.’
Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
caora tinn air uan: confinement. When in the case of a sheep giving, on the point of giving birth to
a lamb, it was discovered that the discharge didn’t give the elasticity necessary (uterus,
etc.), thus while under this complication tea mixed with whisky and thin gruel of oatmeal
also mixed with whisky, a glassful of whisky, this given successively proved successful, and
the mother gave birth to a fine healthy baby lamb. In some other instances an operation was
necessary, the side of the animal, or rather the appropriate place considered was cut open
by a knife, an ordinary (pocket) knife, and the baby lamb was received, and of course the
wound stitched. The baby lamb normal – and the operation successful, just, perhaps, like a
ceserea [sic] [Caesarean?] female operation, or again as ceserea [sic] [Caesarean?]
operation on a woman. This as above noted instances was observed on the island of Scalpay in
Harris. F.S. [?] [P.S.?] Bha na màthraichean beò – cha do rinn e càil oirre
[sic].
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Blàthan-Leighis / Medicinal Plants
caora-bhleac an t-slèibhe: wild orchid. Children used to dig them out complete with roots (which they thought were like the udder of a sheep) and say: ‘Caora bhleac an t-slèibhe ag èibheach le h-uan ’s le h-odhaisg.’
Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
caora-bhreac-an-t-sléibh: Note: early purple orchis (or could be spotted orchis).
Location: [Lewis], South Lochs, Caversta
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
caoran: Quotation: an caoran. Notes: the third peat.
Location: North Uist, Bayhead, Kylis
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
caoran (an): Pios beag fòid nach eil buileach ’na smùr. Ach faodaidh tu radh, ‘Cuir da chaoran mun teine’, ’s tu ciallachadh teine mór do mhoine shlàn a chur air.
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
caoran-dubh: moine chruaidh dhubh anns an robh teas mór. Sann daonnan faisg air creig no grunnd a gheibhte an seorsa so.
Location: South Uist, Peninerine
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
car: Quotation: Thug e an car asam. Notes: He tricked me.
Origin: Tiree
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
car: Quot.: “Seall air an duine sin agus car gu gniomh ann.” Note: leaning to one side. Can be used of anything lopsided.
Origin: Kershader
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
car: adv. ‘approximately’: ~ mun first of June, da’ ràini’ sinn sìos siud; thigeadh rud an-dràst ’s a-rithist ~ nam miosg
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
car: Quotation: ’S duilich an car a thoirt as an t-seana mhaide.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
car: Quotation: “An car a bha ’san t-seann mhaide ’s duilich a thoirt as.” Notes: twist – a proverb generally applied to people set in their ways.
Origin: West Lewis [the location given on the slips]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
car-shùgan: an instrument used for making rope. Consisted of a bit of cylindrical wood with a hook at one end for twisting the heather, mane or whatever. [NOTES: a question mark added in the margin.]
Location: South Uist, Milton
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
caraiche (-an): lumps on potatoes.
Location: North Uist, Tigharry
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
caran: used of an unsurly [sic] [surly?], unpleasant man especially when drinking. The word has this drink association.
Location: North Uist, Grimsay, Cnoc Cuidhein [Knockquien]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
carbad: Quotation: an carbad. Notes: a bier in the form of a hand-barrow.
Origin: Glenurquhart
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
carbad: Quotation: carbad an diollaid. Notes: metal channel set in wood across the saddle for the chain from the shafts to slide in.
Origin: Islay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
carbad-adhair: n. ‘aircraft’: chaidh sinn air plane, ~, gar toirt sìos an sin
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
carcair: width of cut. It was never more than an average person’s throw. This was a strong tradition as it was communal work.

Location: Lewis, Carloway
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
carcair: mullach a phuill an deidh a fheannadh [?]: dubh, cruaidh.
Location: Harris, Sgarastamhor
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
carcair: leud an rusgaidh; gu minic ochd fòid anns a’ charcair, ann am poll dà fhàd.
Location: Lewis, Lochs, Leurbost
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
Carcair: So an t-ainm a tha air an t-snaim a tha ceangal na snòta ris an druim.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
carcair: far an tuiteadh am buachair. Bha seòrsa de dhìg chaol dhùinte a’ ruith bho’n charcair.

Origin: Geàrrloch (Loch Iubh) [Gairloch (Loch Ewe)]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
carcaire: an leud mònadh a leigeadh ris, e.g.

Origin: [Taransay]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
carcaire: an leud mònadh a leigeadh ris.
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
carcais: nn f. ‘carcase’: all right, bha ~ [k font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;h ar̥xkiʃ] bheòthach __ an crochadh __ a’ ch. aige air an ùrlar
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
cargair (an Nis): Leud an rùisg bho oir a’ phuill chun an riochaidh – an cumantas coig oirlich dheug. Cargur (anns an Rudha). Cargoir (na Lochan – Rainis).
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
carghas: Quotation: “Tha carghas air Fear-an-tighe ’nochd.” Notes: “The Man of the house lacks tobacco tonight.” Carghas, lack of tobacco. Developed meaning from Carghas, Lent.
Location: Tiree, [Caolas? – one slip]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cargur (anns an Rudha): [See cargair.]
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
carragh: Dwelly used this for monuments but informant refers to Egypt as: “Ann an Eiphait nan carragh” – meaning pyramids.
Location: South Uist, Milton
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
carran (E): Duine buaireanta. Duine nach leigeadh móran seachad gun na h-uibhir de bhuaireadh a dheanamh m’a dheidhinn. ’S mar sin. [SLIP: An annoying man.]
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Nàdur an Duine / Personality
carran creige: Lump fish or sea porcupine. Thig e so gu biadhadh ’sam bith ged nach fhiach e fhein itheadh. Gheibh thu cloimheag [q.v.], cat dubh [q.v.], is carran creige ann an luin gle fhaisg air tir.
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness, Lionel
Category: Maorach / Shellfish
Cartadh: Mus cuir thu na snòtaichean gaoisd air tha thu ga chartadh anns a’ phrais dhath le cairt dhonn (bark) agus ga chur ’na luibean air gàrradh na h-iodhlann, no air àite freagarrach eile gus an tiormaich e.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
cartadh: Notes: cleaning out, e.g. ’S fhearrd’ an tigh an cartadh ud.
Origin: West Lewis [the location given on the slips]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cartadh an lìn: [NOTES: slipped under ‘cartadh’ with ‘cartadh an lìn’ as the quotation. Definition: Barking.]
Origin: An t-Eilean Sgitheanach [Skye; Skye, Glendale acc. to other questionnaires]
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
cas: Quotation: cas circ ann an criathar. Notes: thin-legged woman with big boots.
Origin: North Uist
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cas: [kɑ˖s] Quotation: Thàinig i cho cas an deidh sinach. Notes: rough, of a storm.
Location: Mull
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cas: Quotation: Thàinig na briathran sin air an cois. Notes: (Lewis?) These words came true. (?)
Origin: [North Uist?]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cas an iaruinn: the handle of the peat iron.
Origin: Eileanaich [natives of Lewis]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
cas an iaruinn: handle of peat-iron.
Location: Lewis, Lochs, Leurbost
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
cas an iaruinn: the handle [of the peat iron].
Location: Harris, Tarbert
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
Cas an teannachaidh: Cha robh.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
cas bhac: to trip. “Chuir e cas-bhac air an fhear a bha na aghaidh.” – ‘He tripped his opponent.’
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig
Category: Cur-seachadan: Dèideagan, Geamaichean is Farpaisean / Recreation: Toys, Games, Contests
cas chrom: [Parts:] an làmhcharan, an iomlaid, an soc, an smeachan (an sgonnan ’s an Eilean Sgìtheanach), an caibe.
Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cas-a-portain: Tha an gnothach air a dhol cas-a-portain. – upside down.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cas-an-fhalbhain: Notes: something given on loan which goes its rounds in a village.
Origin: Skye
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cas-an-fhithich: this is an old term, it’s out of use here now but it may have survived somewhere else. I think it means a mark of a scar on the face or hands, the scriabadh form as if a bird (raven) scratched the face with its claws. A permanent mark. If you haven’t any other definition, I think you are quite safe with this.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Coltas an Duine / Personal Appearance
cas-chaibe: Quotation: Bha am buntàta air an stobadh le cas-chaibe. Notes: flauchter spade. Holes were made at regular intervals and the potatoes dropped in.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
casach: Quotation: a’ chasach. Notes: an arm’s length of twisted line between hook and sinker.
Location: Islay, Port Wemyss
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
casad: Quotation: an casad mór. Notes: whooping cough.
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Sydney Forks
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
casadh: I think this could mean lashing or striking? “’S earball an casadh ri dhruim.”
Location: South Uist, Milton
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
casag an eisg: herring bone stitching.
Location: Skye
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
casan cainnaba: an indication of bad weather. Took the form of rays descending from the rain clouds and going past through the sun.
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
casan-ceangail: anns a’ bhalla. Bha iad crom aig a’ cheann shuas, eag mhath air a ghearradh annta far am freagradh ceann iosal a cheangail, air a chumail ann le da chrann daraich. Chan’eil cuimhne agam an ann air an taobh a muigh no stigh a bha an eag. Bha na croinn có dhiùbh a stigh. Is iomadh balach diomhain thug cnag orra.

Origin: Geàrrloch (Loch Iubh) [Gairloch (Loch Ewe)]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
casg: [sic] “Chaisg e an cù.” [NOTES: slipped under ‘caisg’.]
Origin: Leòdhas, [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Stuigeadh Coin / Encouraging a Dog
cat: [ku̟t̪] Quotation: ’S ann dhith fhèin a nì an cat crònan. Notes: selfish, self-centred.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cath-ghoil: Quotation: Tha an coire a’ cath-ghoil. Notes: boiling over.
Origin: [North Uist?]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cathachadh: fighting. A’ cathachadh an aghaidh an uilc.
Location: [Harris], Scalpaigh [Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cathadh: nn ‘drifting snow’: 's an cur 's an ~ ann
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
cathtag: small amount between the fingers as oatmeal. Cuir cathtag mhineadh air. When fish or something boiling in a pot to make it or the water more to the thickness or solidity required, a cathtag mhineadh is suggested but perhaps this is it also: yes! when something in the mixture of gruel is too much of a liquid form, an additional small amount of oatmeal is recommended.
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ceab staradh: an obstacle, hindrance.
Location: North Uist, Tigharry
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ceabag (-an): portions of cheese. Similar to ‘mulachag’.
Location: North Uist, Iollathraigh [Illeray]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ceabal: a family relique [sic]. Burial plot. In South Boisdale this name is applied to an old graveyard where Protestants were buried. Traditionally called ‘cladh a’ bhrosguil’.
Location: South Uist, Milton
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ceada: a wooden pail, very sturdy, with iron hoops and an iron handle which had a wooden roller in the centre. This roller was the ‘grip’. These wooden pails were not made locally – they were bought in the shops.

Origin: Leodhas [Lewis], Uig
Category: Crodh / Cattle
ceafan: Quotation: ’S e an dearg cheafan a th’ann. Notes: cheeky boy, brat (or ceafanach).
Location: Ross-shire, Aultbea
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ceal: an end. Chuir e ceal air. Perhaps alternative in this case is crioch.
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ceallach: Quotation: an ceallach (sic). Notes: the fireplace in the kiln.
Origin: North Uist
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ceamhlag: (dim.) a wee ball of yarn. Ceamlag [sic] shnàth. [NOTES: originally the headword was spelled ‘ceamlag’ like the word in the example. Then it was corrected to ‘ceamhlag’ but the word in the example was left unchanged, possibly through an oversight.]
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Ceangal nan calpan: Tha na calpan a ghearr thu mach aig do chasan. Tomhais an nis an t-sreang as an tug thu an toinneamh a mach ’na h-aitheannan [?]. Ni thu sin le cur tarsainn do bhroilleach a’ tarraing do ghàirdeanan pios gu do chulthaobh. Aig ceann gach aitheamh ceangail calpa snòta le snaim carcair (Clove Hitch) ga theannachadh gus nach ruith e sios an druim. Gheibh thu da fhichead calp ’sa h-ochd deug air tha an t-sreang le na calpan ’na cnap aig do chasan.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
ceangal, an: ~ ri prep. ‘connected to’. : sian eile an ~ ris; gu robh seagh sam bith an ~ ris
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
Ceangalaichean na cruadhach: Tha am ball so air a shnaim ris a chruaidh le tri snaimeannan daingean. A cheud snaim mu thrian bho cheann na cruadhach ‘Timber Hitch’, air a neartachadh le ‘Half Hitch’ mu thrian bhon cheann eile agus tha iad air an glasadh os cionn na cruadhach le carcair no ‘Clove Hitch’.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
ceann: Quotation: ann an ceann saoghal. Notes: Long, long ago.
Location: Ross-shire, Achiltibuie, Alltan Dubh
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ceann: Quotation: Bha mi na cheann fad an là. Notes: used e.g. if a mother had to attend to a child all day perhaps because of illness or discontent.
Location: Lewis, Barvas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ceann: Quotation: ceann an àigh. Notes: a person always in the same good humour.
Origin: North Uist
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ceann: Quotation: ceann an àigh. Notes: one who makes himself notorious or undesirably prominent.
Origin: Applecross
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ceann: Quotation: an ceann [əŋɡɛ̜ʊn]. Notes: the head.
Location: Ross of Mull
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ceann: nn ‘end; head’:an dà cheann aca [FMM]; bha e na cheann ‘s na chaptain; bha seo ‘ dol gam chur-sa clìor às mo cheann; cha robh boireannach air gach ~ dhan town; tha mi ‘ creidsinn gu
robh fichead ceann [= crodh] [FMM]; bha e ‘ cur nan daoine òg’ às an ceann an uair sin ag òl a’ bhush
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
ceann (E): Ceann an tighe, b’e sin am fiodh. “Chuir iad an ceann air an tigh.”
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
ceann an tighe: upper end.
Location: [Lewis], Siabost
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
ceann an àigh: joker.
Location: Inverness
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ceann arbhair: “Bha a’ bhó aige air am bacan a thoirt as an talamh agus i ag ithe anns a’ cheann arbhair.”
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ceann deargain: part of a rainbow which was an indication of poor weather. Same as ‘adag chruaidh’ previously described.
Location: North Uist, Grimsay, Cnoc Cuidhein [Knockquien]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ceann mara: tha an ceann-mara air a cheangal ri cluas a lìn [q.v.] agus an ceann-iosal ris a chruaidh (no’n acair). [NOTES: slipped under ‘ceann’ with the above as the quotation.]
Origin: An t-Eilean Sgitheanach [Skye; Skye, Glendale acc. to other questionnaires]
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
ceann stròg: an oily substance obtained from flax after it had been boiled. Thereafter painted onto wood. A preservative.
Location: North Uist, Iollathraigh [Illeray]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ceann, an: prep. ‘along with’: am fear aig a bheil fortan tha ’ chrois aige ’na ch.
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Mira Co., Marion Bridge
Category: Word List
ceann, an ~: prep. ‘engaged with, stuck into’’: bidh iad an ~ a chèile, an dà cheann aca [FMM]; ‘after, at the end of’: cha robh gin orm an ~ latha no dhà; chuimhnich mi air an ~ co’là
deug
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
ceann-a-chraidh: brackets of wood fixing the seats to the gunwale (beul an eathair).
Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ceann-a-cuir: sreang làidir ceangailte ris a’ chloich is ris an lìon. [NOTES: slipped under ‘ceann’ with ‘ceann-a-cuir’ as the quotation.]
Origin: Geàrrloch (Loch Iubh) [Gairloch (Loch Ewe)]
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
ceann-adhairt: Quotation: an ceann-adhairt. Notes: the pillow end of a bed.
Origin: North Uist
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ceann-an-duine-mharbh: Notes: used locally for sea-urchin.
Origin: Coigach
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ceann-an-fhòid: the early ‘replicas’ of past years towards lantern method of lighting.
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ceann-an-loch: head of the loch.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ceann-crìcheadh: Quotation: Sin an ceann-crìcheadh aige. Notes: end, limit.
Location: Tiree, Caolis
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ceann-dìreach: somersault. (Fuaimnich seo ‘cein-nìreach’ no ‘cain-nìreach’; ‘c’ mar ‘c’ ann an ‘King’ (Beurla).)
Origin: Leodhas [Lewis], Uig
Category: Cur-seachadan: Dèideagan, Geamaichean is Farpaisean / Recreation: Toys, Games, Contests
ceann-iomaire: Quotation: an ceann-iomaire. Notes: the area used by a horse for turning. At the end of the day these would also be ploughed. One acre a day was considered good work for two horses and a man.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ceann-loch: [See ceann-an-loch]; or ‘head loch’.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ceann-là: Quotation: an ceann-là. Notes: calving date. [NOTES: slipped under ‘ceann-latha’.]
Origin: North Uist
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ceann-snaidhm: Quotation: Tha ceann-snaidhm anns an adhair. Bha a’ ghaoth ann am bun a’ cheann-snaidhm. Notes: long strips of cloud, probably parallel but apparently coming together over the horizon (as if boat shaped with the planks coming together). Usually indicates a change in weather – heat haze in summer. [NOTES: slipped under ‘ceann-snaim’.]
Location: Lewis, Barvas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ceann-ùidhe: nn ‘end, destination’: bha mi aig ~, ~ an rathaid
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
ceanna-chnagan: cnagan an ceann na tobhtaichean.
Location: [Harris], Leverburgh
Category: Togail Bhàtaichean / Boat-Building
ceanna-ghalair: (Chan eil an t-ainm Beurla agam.) Bhiodh na cluasan aca a’ séid agus as déidh sin a’ seacadh. ’S ann air na h-uain a bhiodh seo a’ tighinn.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
ceannach (math): biadh-meallaidh, blasadan beag (gle thric sgadan saillte) gus an toireadh i am bainne.
Origin: Geàrrloch (Loch Iubh) [Gairloch (Loch Ewe)]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
ceannach-ruilleadh: Quotation: Chaneil air fhàgail ach am moll agus an ceannach-ruilleadh. Notes: only the chaff and small grains are left, i.e. the weaklings, etc. Ceannach-ruilleadh – in threshing, the mixture which went through the riddle into the second bag. Was put again through the riddles and the best part was put to the mill for meal. [NOTES: slipped under ‘ceannach’.]
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ceannag (f): bundle of hay tied with ‘sùgan’ (a meal for an animal). Ceannag-fheòir.
Origin: Tiree
Category: Crodh / Cattle
ceannaich: Quotation: a’ ceannach a’ ghruinnd. Notes: buying the portion of land. Custom in Nerebus of throwing a silver coin into the open grave unnoticed. Said to be an old Irish Catholic custom. Used to be a chapel there – a branch of Londonderry seminary. [NOTES: slipped under ‘ceannach’.]
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ceap: [cɛp] Quot.: an ceap. Note: small round piece of a sheep’s stomach.
Location: Lewis, Uig, Crowlista
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ceap: na pìosan a rachadh a thogail agus cuid dhiubh air an cur a feum an déidh laimhe a chomhdach nan cruachan.
Origin: Camaschros an sgìre Shléite san Eilean Sgitheanach [Skye, Camus Chroise]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
ceap: dùis, muinne an am pàirt deth Leodhas.
Location: Na Hearadh, Gòbhaig [Harris, Gobhaig]
Category: Biadh is Deoch / Food and Drink
ceap: Quotation: an ceap. Notes: shoemaker’s last.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ceap an gadaiche: catch the thief. A game played by the informant in his younger years.
Location: South Uist, Stoneybridge
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ceap ceann: an unturfed peat, cut with the spade.
Origin: Eileanaich [natives of Lewis]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
ceap cléibh: Fiodh tiugh. Gu math, math tiugh. An ceap bho a thaobh: [see illustration]. (Seo ri a chrìochnachadh.)

Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Leabhar Deilbh / Drawing Book
ceap-starra: Notes: an obstruction or a hindrance.
Location: Ross-shire, Aultbea
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ceap-starraidh: [cɛpst̪ɑɾi] Quotation: or ceap-stairidh. Notes: hindrance. Say an invalid in the house curtailing one’s freedom. Stumbling block.
Origin: North Uist
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ceap-tuislidh: Quotation: Bha e na cheap-tuislidh dhan an teaghlach. Notes: a stumbling block.
Origin: Applecross
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ceapaire: Quotation: an ceapaire Glasach. Notes: Strathglass bannock – barley bread and mashed potatoes on top.
Location: Ross-shire, Dornie, Morvich
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cearc: Quotation: A’ chearc air ’s gun an ubh ann. Notes: cocky with no foundation for cockiness. Big ideas but no money behind it.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cearcall a’ bhùirn: Bhiodh seo againn airson ar cuideachadh le na peilichean bùirn a’ tighinn as an tobair. Bha e mar seo shìos: [see illustration]. ’Se fiodh a bh’ann agus bha cuideachadh mór ann airson falbh le na peilichean. Chanadh sinn “Thoirt leat an cearcall”. Chanadh na seann fhir “a’ chuairt” ris, cuideachd. Tha mi deanamh a mach gu bheil e dol fhathast ann an àiteachan an Alba.

Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cearcall-bùirn: Bha seo air a dhèanamh de phìosan fiodha mar a tha agam anns an dealbh-tharruing. Bha e airson na peilichean bùirn a chumail air falbh bho do thaobh gus nach fliuchadh iad thu. Cuideachd, bha na peilichean (an làd bùirn) na b’fhasa an ghiùlan [sic] leis a’ chearcall; bha iad a’ faireachduinn móran na b’aotroma. Chanadh iad “a’ chuairt” cuideachd, ris a’ chearcall-bhùirn, mar: “An d’thug thu leat a’ chuairt?”

Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Leabhar Deilbh / Drawing Book
ceart, a ch.: adv. ‘just’: bha iad an seo a ch. cho tràth ris an fheadhain; mu choinneimh sin, a’ ch. urad do dh’fhiodh cruaidh; sguir sin ’s bha e cearta [sic] cho math
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
ceart-: adj. ‘same’: chuala mise ’ cheart uimhir ùrnaigh ann an Gàidhlig ’s a chuala mi ann am Beurla
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Mira Co., Marion Bridge
Category: Word List
ceartuair, an ~: advb ‘presently, at once’: tha mi ‘ creidsinn gu bheil iad seo a’ tighinn mun cuairt an ~
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
Ceasnachadh: Quotation: an Ceasnachadh. Notes: once a year people met in one house and were questioned on the Shorter Catechism by the minister.
Location: Lewis, Barvas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Ceasnachdainn: [cesn̪ɔxkĩnʹ] Quotation: an Ceasnachdainn. Notes: examination of knowledge of the Shorter Catechism held every year in one of the houses.
Origin: Glenurquhart
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ceathramh: Quotation: Tha a’ cheud ceathramh de’n ghealach againn an nochd. Tha an ceathramh mu dheireadh de’n ghealach againn an nochd. Notes: first quarter, last quarter.
Location: Islay, Bowmore
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ceathramh: nn ‘quarter [of animal carcase]’: ~ toisich, ~ deireadh; an ~ toisich, bha na h-aisinean ann
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
ceathramh deirich: Quotation: an ceathramh deirich [ən keɑʔrɑ˖v dʹẹʔrʹiç]. Notes: hind quarter of an animal.
Location: Ross of Mull
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ceathramh-gorm: Quotation: an ceathramh-gorm. Notes: blackleg in cattle.
Location: Canada, Christmas Island
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ceathramh-toisich: Quotation: an ceathramh toisich [ən kreɑʔrɑ˖v tɔ̣ʃiç] [sic]. Notes: fore-quarter of an animal.
Location: Ross of Mull
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ceigean: [ceɡʹɑṉ] Quot.: “Ceigeanach dubh, ceann gun chìreadh, Cha teid cail an ìre dhà.”
Origin: Swainbost
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ceilinn: conceal. *Cia uime a ceilinn neo có mu ceilinn. The underlined words [i.e. có mu ceilinn] are the Scalpay version. * [i.e. Cia uime a ceilinn?] may have been an earlier version on Harris.
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ceillidh an taigh sheingse: relatively big occasions in days gone when men gathered in the pub after the cattle sale, one of the few days when they did enter a pub. Stories, anecdotes would be swapped.
Location: North Uist, Iollathraigh [Illeray]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ceird: n. [k´hiɽs̠ʧ] ‘craft’: ’s e ~ a th’ anns an t-saoirsineachd. Chan eil sian agads’ an uair sin --ach fhaicinn an dòigh tha e air a dhèanamh
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
ceirsle (I): Ball of yarn. (Faic M’Ghill Fhinnein ‘ceirtle’.) Air a fhuaimneachadh againne ‘ceile’: a’ cheud ‘e’ mar ‘ai’ ann am ‘faireachdainn’ no ‘e’ ann an ‘cell’ (Beurla).
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Obair na Clòimhe / Wool-Working
ceirthle: meaning one of, e.g. “Fhuair mi ceirthle càil bho Dhonnchadh an dè”. – Duncan gave me one cabbage yesterday.
Location: Barra, Castlebay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ceist: Notes: can be an arithmetical sum. (Lewis – cuistean)
Location: Skye, Kilmuir
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ceist: Quotation: a cheist. “Mo cheist air an ainnir [?] / ’S bean a’ chùil bhàin.”
Origin: Skye
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ceithir-chasach: Quot.: “Cha teid thu mach mas beir am balgan-feòir agus an ceithir-chasach ort!” Note: said to young children if they wanted to go out at night.
Origin: [Barvas]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ceo bàn an t-soluis ùir: an indication of bad weather, when mist and a full moon were visible simultaneously.
Location: South Uist, South Lochboisdale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ceum: Quot.: “ceum an iaruinn”. Note: the step on the peat-cutting iron.
Location: Harris, Quidinish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ceum: Quot.: “an ceum”. Note: the “step” of the ‘cas-chrom’.
Origin: Scarista
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ceum-coilich: a rooster’s step, length of a rooster’s step (lit.). Fad ceum coilich is e sin an fhaid th’ann am feasgar bliadhn’ ùire (Harris). Is e sin an latha air tighinn cho fada ri fad ceum coilich, ann am facail eile.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ceum-letha: Quot.: “Nuair a bha e a’ feuchainn an dòrnaig thug e ceum-letha.” Note: when putting the shot he stepped over the limiting mark. Also used of a person telling an exaggerated story or who is wont to tell them. “Tha ‘ceum-letha’ ann.”
Origin: Barvas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ceum-letha: Quot.: “Thug e ceum-letha nuair a bha e a feuchainn an dòrnaig.” Note: stepping over the line. Also exaggerating when telling a story. “Leig e ceum-letha.”
Origin: Crowlista
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ceàrd (E): Bidh e seo air a chleachdadh faisg air an aon dòigh anns a h-uile h-àit. “’Se ceàrd a bh’ann.” “Nach b’e an ceàrd e.” [SLIP: no definitions.]
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Nàdur an Duine / Personality
ceàrdaman: Quotation: An ceàrdaman. Notes: big fly frequenting manure heaps. (Dwelly – hornet.)
Location: Islay, Bowmore
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ceàrdaman: Quotation: ’S àrd a sheòlas an ceàrdaman ach is ann anns an t-salachair a thuiteas e.
Origin: Islay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ceàrrdubhan: [cɑ:rd̪u̟ɑ̃ṉ] Notes: an insect which frequents dung-heaps.
Location: South Uist, Lochboisdale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ceò bàn an t-soluis ùir: mist and full moon coinciding. Taken as an indication of bad weather to follow.
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cha: Quotation: Cha chuir gigheagan umhail air geoghagan. Notes: (from my mother) Said of two people much alike in their ways, e.g. of an easy-going couple who were going to get married.
Location: Lewis
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cha mhòr: Notes: almost all. Also: not much. Co ’n te bheag a tha sud air an làr. Tha bean na bainnse ’s cha mhòr i. There is not much of her. Cha mhòr a rud sin – not much in that.
Origin: West Lewis [the location given on the slips]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
chaidh: Quotation: Chaidh a’ phlàsd sìos, chaidh an t-srathair suas. Notes: (from Jessie MacLeod, Ness) Used of people falling out – the last line = ‘on one’s high horse’. Srathair – saddle, pack-saddle. For plàsd read plàt (?), cf. plàt-eich ‘straw-cloth of a pack-saddle’.
Location: Lewis
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Chaidh e bhair an adhbrainn.: He sprained his ankle.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig
Category: Cur-seachadan: Dèideagan, Geamaichean is Farpaisean / Recreation: Toys, Games, Contests
chaileach-ribeach: ‘wart’ inside mouth. The cure was cutting it by scissors, or an appropriate
instrument.
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Blàthan-Leighis / Medicinal Plants
chaneil an t-àthagh an diugh orra: [sic]
Origin: Harris, Horgabost or Harris, Kyles Stockinish
Category: Sìde / Weather
change: vb ‘alter’: vbl nn: tha iad a ' change-adh [ʧ h e:ɲʃə] dath an seo
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
chialag: an expression of affection towards a young person or animal, when suffering of pain or discomfort.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
chionn, (a): conj. ’ ~ ’s a bha, eadar an t-eilein agus an tìr an seo, bha trì mìle ann; ~ ’s bha sinne, dh’fheumamaid an connadh fhaighinn dhachaigh
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
cho balbh ris an uaigh: as quiet as the grave.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Coltas an Duine / Personal Appearance
cho bodhar ris an talamh: Location: Na Hearadh [Harris], Horgabost
Category: Faireachdain / Senses
cho buan ris an darach: as lasting as the oak.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Coltas an Duine / Personal Appearance
cho caol ri minidh: as thin as an augaur [sic] [auger?].
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Coltas an Duine / Personal Appearance
cho coir ris an fhaoileig: Location: Na Hearadh [Harris], Horgabost
Category: Faireachdain / Senses
cho fada ris an t-siorruidheachd: as long as eternity.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Coltas an Duine / Personal Appearance
Cho fiachaill ri anam an fhuathaire: as precious as a giant’s soul. [NOTES: ‘fiachaill’ corrected to ‘fiachail’.]
Location: South Uist, South Lochboisdale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cho làidir ris an leomhainn: as strong as a lion.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Coltas an Duine / Personal Appearance
cho ruighinn ris an teàrr: as tough as tar.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Coltas an Duine / Personal Appearance
cho sona ris an rìgh: as happy as the king.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Coltas an Duine / Personal Appearance
chon: prep. ‘to, till’: chùm iad … greim air a’ Ghàidhlig ~ an latha an-diugh
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Mira Co., Marion Bridge
Category: Word List
chorra-ghlas: bird (corn-crake). Co-dhiù tha t-ean fhathasd r’a fhaicinn againne air a bheil a chorra-ghlas; ged nach cluinn mi an t-ainm aig ginealach an la ’n diugh. [SLIP: Corncrake.]
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Chuir e an gonadh air: to cast a spell on someone.
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Chuir mi i air a’ bhuaraich: an expression heard in times past when a fisherman had anchored his boat.
Location: North Uist, Iollaraigh [Illeray]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
chì: vb ‘see’: fut.:cha d’fhuair mi ‘ thoirt dha ‘s am faic thusa seo dhan duine; cond.: chithinn rud air an t-saoghal; past.: ‘seemed’ chunna mi siud gàbhaidh; chunna mi seo
eaglach
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
ciad fichead: (like ciad mìle), e.g. ‘Tiud a bhodaich! Tiud a choin! / Cà’ na dh’fhàg thu t-eidhleadh? / Dh’fhàg ann an Inbhirnis. / Is ciad-fichead toll air.’ (We used to say this to one another as children.)
Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ciall: nn f. ‘meaning’: well, bha mi fhìn gan dèanamh, gan cur an ciall [+ epenth. [ə], bha
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
ciall: Quotation: “… Chuala mi chuthag, a chiallan, S dh’fhaighnich mi nach deigheadh a bhliadhna leam.” – I heard the cuckoo, my dear, and I knew that this year I would not prosper. (Part of an old rhyme.) Notes: also wisdom – duine ciallach: a wise man. Sense – rud gun chiall: a thing without sense. A chiall, a chiall! ciod e so? Dear, dear! What’s this?
Origin: West Lewis [the location given on the slips]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cian: Quotation: Tha e air an dol chian. Notes: He is always moving about, never in the one place for any length of time.
Location: Islay, Port Wemyss
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ciaradh: Quotation: ciaradh an fheasgair. Notes: darkening.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ciliorum: Quotation: Ciod e na ciliorums a tha air a leanaibh? or Abair ciliorums! Notes: an old minister told me that the word was from the Latin used in the R. C. Church Service; and was probably a survival from pre-Reformation times. Indicating something that no one could understand!
Origin: West Lewis [the location given on the slips]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cineadh: nn ‘surname, name’: shiud an ~ a bh’ aige, an loga(i)r; tha sin aig a chuile ~ an-dràsta; Alexander an ~
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
cioch na mna sidhe: Beadlet anemone. Sin an t-ainm a tha aca orra anns an Rudha. ’S e ‘cioch nam ban shìdh’ a chanas iad ann an Nis, agus is e sin a chanas iad ris a chula seorsa, beag is mór.
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness, Lionel
Category: Maorach / Shellfish
ciolp: [blow.] ‘ci’ as in ‘cinnteach’ and the ‘o’ silent, sounded as ‘cilip’. There was a difference between a ‘ciolp’ and the other two [i.e. ‘sglabhart’ and ‘sgailt’ (q.v.)] in that it could be delivered with a stick or the fist or a kick from an animal and was a much more severe knock than the other two.
Origin: Inverness-shire, Nethy Bridge
Category: Cur-seachadan: Dèideagan, Geamaichean is Farpaisean / Recreation: Toys, Games, Contests
ciomball: [c[ɤ̃ũ̟]mbəɫ] Quot.: “ciomball fraoich”. Note: a bundle, an armful.
Location: Lewis, Uig, Crowlista
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ciomball-fraoich: bundle of tied heather. Dhoirt e na bha na làmhan air a’ chiomball-fraoich. An old Harris or Scalpay term, not in practice now.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ciona-radhraic: [sic]nn ‘lack of vision, blindness’: ‘s e droch rud a tha ann an ~
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
ciortalaich: to move yourself about till you are comfortable. “Ciortalaich thu fhein an sin ’s toisichidh sinn.”
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ciosan bu fire: An outsize ciosan. A large ciosan. ’Se seo a chanadh m’athair. (Faic cisean bafaire ’san fhaclair.)
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cipean: Quotation: an cipean. Notes: tethering pin.
Origin: North Uist
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ciste: Quotation: an ciste shiol. Notes: for storing grain.
Origin: Islay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ciste: nn f. ‘chest, box’: dat.: am fear a bha sa chistidh [-iç]; chan ann ann an cistidh a bha e idir
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
ciste (I): Airson ciste faic ‘seotal’. Cha bhiodh seotal anns a h-uile ciste idir. Ach a’ chiste a b’fheàrr a bhiodh a stigh bhiodh seotal innte. Bha port aig fear uaireigin anns an àite, agus bha aige: “Ciompull de na notaichean an seotal na cist’-aodaich.”
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
ciste-chaol: Note: a wooden seat which could open like an ottoman. Working clothes usually kept in it.
Origin: Uig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ciste-chaol (being): Bha i mar an seo shìos. Bha bonn innte agus bòrd-uachdair oirre. Bha i math airson rudan a ghleidheadh. “C’àit am bheil an lìon a bha siod?” “Tha e anns a’ chiste-chaoil.”

Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
ciste-mhin: Quotation: ‘Ma thig ceò an earraich sìos cho fada ris a’ chiste-mhin, thig an sneachd ceart cho fada sin.’
Location: Spean Bridge
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ciuthach: a big, lazy person who doesn’t go out much. “Bha e na shuidhe a staigh an sud na chiuthach.”
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ciànrag (-an): a basket woven from reed, willow or sea bent.
Location: North Uist, Iollathraigh [Illeray]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
clab-mór: An dorus air a chlab-mór. – The door wide open.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
clabag: an amount of money. [NOTES: note added – Fhuair e clabag.]
Origin: [Note: From North Uist, information from Alex O’Henley / RÓM 4 Dec 2023]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
claban-muilleadh: Quotation: Nach tu an claban-muilleadh. Notes: used for a gossip.
Location: Raasay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
clabhan: nn ‘buzzard’: tha an ~ dona cuideachd, cha bhean e dha na h-uain idir, an ~
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
clach: Quotation: clach guail [sic]. “Cuir clach air an teine!” [NOTES: slipped under ‘clach ghuail’.]
Location: Ross-shire, Dornie, Kilillan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
clach: Quotation: an clach fhaobhrachaidh. Notes: joiner’s grindstone. Had to be turned sunwise (superstition). [NOTES: slipped under ‘clach fhaobhair’.]
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
clach: Quotation: clach-an-turraman. Notes: round boulder which can be rocked. [NOTES: slipped under ‘clach-an-turamain’.]
Location: Islay, Port Wemyss
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
clach: weight. Clach air a gleidheadh ris an ùrlar le sreang.
Origin: Tiriodh [Tiree] (Rugadh Daibhidh ann an Glaschu ach chaidh a thogail ann an Tiriodh bho’n a bha e trì bliadhn’ a dh’aois.)
Category: Iasgach a’ Ghiomaich / Lobster-Fishing
clach (air na reitheachan): weight tied to an animal to prevent its escape.
Origin: Mull, Bunessan, Ardtun or Mull, Tobermory
Category: Crodh / Cattle
clach an teinntean: The hearth, raised flagstones in centre of floor on which the fire burned.
Origin: Skye
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
clach a’ ghlag: a warning stone between land and an offshore island. One in a series of stepping stones. Previously described under ‘clach fhairachaidh’ given by Mr J. O’Henley.
Location: North Uist, Iollaraigh [Illeray]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Clach bhàithte: So cruaidh a tha a’ dol air earball an lin bhig ma dheireadh is gun chàbull no puta oirre.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
clach ghlagain: an unevenly balanced stone found at the mouth of a cave, so placed that it tilted whenever it was trodden on, thus warning the occupants of the cave. (There were one or two examples in Uig.)
Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
clach-an-turramain: Quotation: air cl.-an-t. Notes: vacillating, sitting on the fence.
Origin: Skye
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
clach-bhleith: n. ‘grindstone’: ~, clach a’ bhleith a chanadh iad an seo
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Mira Co., Marion Bridge
Category: Word List
clach-bhàithte: Chuala mi ‘a’ chlach bhàithte’ airson ‘suincear’ [q.v.] ann am baile faisg air a’ bhaile againn fhìn. Togail na cloich-bhàithte – ’s e bhiodh againn air cleas a bhiodh againn ann an làithean na sgoile. Bha thu cur clach bheag air muin cloich eile ann an toll bùirn, no ann am fuaran, agus bha thu cur do chinn fodha gu’m beireadh tu air a’ chloich, ’s gu’n togadh tu i le d’ fhiaclan.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
clach-fhairachaidh: ‘fh’ is silent. A special slab rock which formed a road made of stepping stones leading to an offshore island. The slab in question was always left loose so that when you stepped on one end, the rock rose and clattered down again. This noise acting [as] a warning device for the inhabitants of the island.
Location: South Uist, Kildonan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
clach-fhaobhair: [kɫɑxw̃:vəð] Notes: an oilstone.
Origin: North Uist
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
clach-ghludramain: an unstable stone, shaky, moveable.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
clach-rathad: Ceum clachach, an cumantas eadar dà chnoc, a muigh air cùl baile no a muigh ’s a’ mhòintich.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
clach-starsaich: [kɫɑxst̪ɑʴsiç] Notes: said to be used for a step outside the door. [NOTES: I use the turned r for the symbol which is unclear in the original. It may be an h.]
Location: Skye, Breakish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cladach: Quotation: Faoileann an droch chladaich. Notes: see “faoileann”.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cladach: Quot.: an cladach leis. Note: lee shore.
Location: Harris, Quidinish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cladach-an-teine: not clear what was meant by this unless it was directly in front of the fire.
Origin: Eileanaich [natives of Lewis]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
cladh: Quotation: an cladh. Notes: cemetery.
Origin: Glenurquhart
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cladhaich: Quotation: a’ cladhach a’ bhuntàta le gràp. Notes: when lifting potatoes, one person worked two drills simultaneously as he went, leaving the potatoes lying for an hour or two until they dried.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
claigeann: Quotation: an claigeann deiridh; an claigeann toisich. Notes: stern post; stem post.
Location: Ross-shire, Aultbea
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
claigeann: Quotation: an claigeann [əxɫɑ˖ɡʹən]. Notes: the skull.
Location: Ross of Mull
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Claigeann puta: Bòrd cruinn fiodha mu oirleach a thuighead [sic] a tha dunadh beul a’ phuta. Tha tearr (Archangel) ga chur air an oir is an canabhas no an craiceann air a leigeil ann.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
claigionn: [kɫɑɡən̪] Quot. 1. an claigionn-toisich. 2. an claigionn-deiridh. Note: (1) stempost. (2) sternpost. [NOTES: note added by Professor Roibeard Ó Maolalaigh (RÓM) – [ɡʹ]?]
Location: Harris, Quidinish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
claigionn: [kɫɑɡən̪] Quot.: “an claigionn deiridh”; “an claigionn toisich”. Note: stempost and sternpost in a boat [sic – in this order].
Origin: [Lewis], Uig, Valtos
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
claimhean: [kɫ[ɑ̃ĩ]ɑṉ] Quotation: Chuir e an claimhean air an dorus. Notes: wooden sliding bolt.
Origin: Glenurquhart
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
claimhean: Quotation: an claimhean. Notes: the buzzard.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
claimhearachd: [kɫ[ɑ̃ĩ]vɑðɑxk] Quot.: “Tha an crodh a’ claimhearachd.” Note: sparring with their horns but not actually fighting.
Origin: Crowlista
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
clais: Quot.: Tha an tigh aige ann an clais a’ rathaid. Note: His house is just beside the road.
Origin: Kershader
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
clais an èil: Groove near end of buailtean – where thong is attached.
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
clamag: Quotation: an deagh chlamag airgid. Notes: ‘a substantial sum of money’. Source: essay by Faye MacLeod, Barra, confirmed by Mrs Christine MacInnes, Barra.
Location: Barra, Northbay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
clamair: an old, well horned ram. (Single ‘l’ sound as in English ‘clam’.) “Ach co leis an clamair?”
Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
clambaire: [klɑ̃mbəðə] Quot.: “Seachainn cuideachd an dram nuair a tha ’n clambaire na measg.” Note: fear buaireasach àrd-ghuthach.
Origin: Swainbost
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
clamhan: (1) Quot.: “an clamhan mór”. Note: buzzard. (2) Quot.: “clamhan nan cearc”. Note: hen harrier.
Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
clann: Quotation: cloinn an dà bhràthair. Notes: 1st cousins.
Origin: Glenurquhart
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
claoidhean: Quotation: Cha deachaidh glas no claoidhean air an dorus bho dh’fhalbh thu.
Origin: Kilmaluag
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cleachdadh: n. ‘custom; tradition’: ’s ann a thàinig an ~ uileadh; ’s ann às sin a thàinig iad fhèin
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
Cleachdadh: Shios againne ann am Portnaguran na’n tigeadh iasg annasach mar sùil-òir, no creachan air lion bha am fear leis am biodh an lion gan dleasadh dha fhein. Da mhìle suas air an sin anns an Rudha ann an Siadar na’m ann air druim an lin a bhiodh an creachan air greimeachadh ’se sgiobair a bha ga dhleasadh, ach ’nam ann air an dubhan a bhiodh e air greimeachadh ’se fear sgròbaidh a bha ga dhleasadh – cha robh facal aig fear an lin anns a’ ghnothach.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
cleas na Féille air an Fhadhail: prior to a bridge at Benbecula this referred to the cattle having to swim across the ford to cattle sales.
Location: South Uist, Stilligarry
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cleasan, no cluicheannan, airson broinn an tighe: Bhiodh sinn a’ deanamh seo an dràsda ’s a rithist. 1. Eirigh leis an eallach aotrom. (Sràbh no nì aotrom de’n t-seòrsa sin air do ghualainn.) 2. A’ tighinn troimh a’ chlobha. (An seann chlobha mór iaruinn.) 3. A’ tighinn troimh a’ bhata. (Bata-mór cumanta.) Seallaidh mi mar a bha iad seo a’ dol, uair sam bith.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cleathag: an insect, beast which took the seed out of corn ears. Not sure of English term for this insect.
Location: North Uist, Tigharry
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cleireach an t-seasoin: Location: Arran, Pirnmill
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
cleireach an t-seisein: Origin: [Skye], Gleanndail [Glendale]
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
cleith sheanachair: an implement which was ready to fall apart.
Location: South Uist, Peninerine
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cleitreach: Quotation: cleitreach (Tong), cleidreach (Keose). Notes: Clumsy woman (also used in Tong in sense of an old horse). Not in Dw.
Location: Lewis
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cleòc: Quotation: an cleòc. Notes: minister’s vestment.
Origin: Islay, Ballygrant
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Cleòc’ an Easbuig: Capa Magna (Bishop’s Cloak).
Location: South Uist, Daliburgh
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
cliabh: Cliabh: an iris – na spriotan (’Se staingean a chanas iad an ceàrnaidhean de Leòdhas ri na spriotan againne.) – an t-slat-bheòil – an t-sreang – breugan a’ chléibh (Fuaimnich briagan.) – na cabair oisein agus na cabair eile – an fhighe no an cura.

Origin: [Lewis, Uig]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
cliabh: an t-inneal a bha tarruing dhachaidh na monadh.
Location: South Uist, Peninerine
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
cliabh cleibh: [pl.] creel. Is ann le cleibh bha a’ mhoine air a’ to’airt dhachaigh anns an t-sheann aimsir. Is e sealladh gle chumanta bh’ann gach fear-tigh fhaicinn a’ dol gach la dhiarraidh cliabh moine do an cruach, a’ dhaodadh bhi suas ri mile air falbh o’n tigh. Ach cha-neil aon chliabh ri fhaicinn anns a’ chearn so o chionn iomadh bliadhna air ais. Tha a’ mhoine nis air a giulan dhachaidh le carbaidean ola de gach seorsa. Tha rathaidean nis anns gach aite, agus mar sin tha a’ mhoine air a buain cho faisg air an rathad ’s a ghabhas deanamh.
Origin: Cataobh [Sutherland – probably meant as the county not origin]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
cliabh-droma: bascaid air a deanamh car comhnard air aon taobh air son laighe air druim fear an eallaich. Bhathar a cleachdadh a chleibh air son mòine, feamainn, inneir, iasg, ’sgach seòrsa ghiulain – eadhon bathar as na bùthan ma bha iad fad as! Bhathar a cleachdadh an ainm “cliabh-droma” air son eadardhealachadh o “chliabh-ghiomach”.
Origin: [Taransay]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
cliabh-ghiomach (E): Pàirtean: Am bottom (E). (Chan e an t-ùrlar a chanas sinn idir.) [NOTES: slipped under ‘bottom’. Definition: An t-ùrlar aig a’ chliabh-ghiomach.] Cearcaill, cabair (cha chreid mi nach canadh iad an dà chuid). [NOTES: slipped under ‘cearcall’ and ‘cabar’ respectively.] Taobhan (E). [NOTES: slipped.] An gath-droma (E). [NOTES: slipped.] Sreang (I) a’ bhiathaidh. [NOTES: slipped under ‘sreang’.] A’ chlach (I). [NOTES: slipped under ‘clach’.] An dorus-beag (E). (Air a dhùnadh le sreing.) [NOTES: slipped.]
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
cliath: Pl. -an. Harrow. See dia [NOTES: probably refers to a diagram provided by the informant.]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
cliath: Pl. -an. Harrow.
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
cliath: Pl. -an. Harrow.
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
cliath: Pl. -an. Harrow.
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
cliath an eich: three main beams with three cross beams preferably of hard wood.
Origin: Ross and Cromarty, Lewis
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
cliath-luathaidh: n. ‘milling board’: chunna mise an aon ch. ’dol mun cuairt
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
Clibeadh: Sin an slaodadh beag a tha an t-iasg a toirt air an dubhan nuair a shluigeas e am boite. ’Se cur seachad anabarrach solasach a tha ann a bhith dòrghachd gus an tig a’ bhiorach. Nuair a thig ise ’na sgaoth as dòcha gur e tri cinn adag a bheir thu steach don eathar air do dhubhain. Tha a bhiorach làidir is tha i dona gu bhith gearradh na snòta. Is iomadh biorach as an deacha an fhuil a leigeil is a’ tilgeil air ais don mhuir agus ann an tiota bhiodh i air a h-ithe aig a càirdean. Bhiodh cuid dhuibh [sic] a’ breith nan iseanan anns an eathar agus nuair a thilgeadh tu iad so a mach bhiodh iad am broinn chàich mus canadh tu sgian.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
clibean: Quotation: an clibean. Notes: a piece cut out of the breast of the stenlock to imitate small herring. Used as bait in cod and stenlock fishing – P. Charlotte and Portnahaven.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cliostar: an enema. An injection of fluid into the intestines.
Origin: [Note: From North Uist, information from Alex O’Henley / RÓM 4 Dec 2023]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
clip: [kliʰp] Quotation: an clip. Notes: gaff.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
clipean: a bait cut from the side of a big fish, a strip of fish on a hook being pulled after a moving boat to attract the fish. Fishing likewise le clipean – putting it this way: ‘dragging an artificial eel’. [SLIP: A strip of fish on a hook, used as bait and pulled after a moving boat to attract the fish.] [NOTES: in another word-list sent in by Mr Morrison, this word is spelled ‘cliopan’ and explained as ‘fish-lure’.]
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cliseach: Quot.: “Bheir mis’ air do chliseach!” Note: warning given to children. The back. MML, Uig has it for the back of a cow. Sometimes, he says, it is called “cliseach an droma” so it may be a certain part of the back. (Also used in Barvas for cattle.)
Origin: [Barvas]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cliseam: Quot.: an cliseam. Note: applied to the three pegs at the top of the “beart-dheilbh” for fixing the “alt”.
Location: [Lewis], South Lochs, Caversta
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cliùcair (E): Bhiodh seo aca nuair a bhiodh iad a’ càradh an lìn. (Faic Dwelly t-d 210 (4 DU).)
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
clobh: (Fuaimnich mar gheobh.) Tha fear no dhà dhiubh seo, mur eil barrachd, aig Bhaltas ann an Uig. Clobh Chràgabhig aon dhiubh. ’Se fosgladh no seòrsa de ghleann a th’ann, no mar sin. Chan fhaca mi a riamh ‘clobh’ sgrìobhte, ’s cha chuala mi mu dheidhinn an àite eile.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Cruth na Tìre / Landscape Features
clobha: [kɫoʔo] Quotation: an clobha. Notes: used as a clamp, e.g. when building a boat, to keep two planks tightly together.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
clobha-nan-adharc: Quotation: Inneal airson adharc an reithe a chumail a mach bho’n leth-cheann.
Origin: Kilmaluag
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
clobhta-sgùraidh: rubbing (scrubbing) cloth. Metaphorically speaking: Rinn e clobta[sic]-sgùraidh dhiom. [NOTES: originally the headword was spelled ‘clobta-sgùraidh’ just like the word in the example. Then it was corrected to ‘clobhta-sgùraidh’ but the example was left unchanged, possibly through an oversight.]
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
clochd: [kɫɔ̣xk] Notes: a growth, swelling in an animal’s throat.
Location: Ross of Mull
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
clog ( clok): [pron.] weight tied to an animal. [NOTES: the slip gives pronunciation – [kɫɔk].]
Origin: Kill-Fhinn
Category: Crodh / Cattle
cloimh an domail: this is exactly the correct version, whereas I noted previously dombail. Change it to ‘m’ instead of ‘b’. Delete ‘b’. The loose wool on the heather – remember. [NOTES: the spelling with ‘b’ appeared in another word-list sent in by Mr Morrison. There are two slips: one with ‘dombail’ (no mention of the mistake) and the other with ‘domail’ (the mistake mentioned).] [SLIP: Loose wool on the heather. Previously had: dombail – should omit ‘d’.]
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cloimh liath: blue mould. Apparently this has healing qualities. Mother of informant used to throw an old boot or shoe into a clump of nettles which was left there till mould gathered on the shoe. Thereafter the mould was scraped off and used as a kind of penicillin to relieve the puss in boils and abscess wounds, swellings, etc. Similarly informant remembers the white of an egg being broken to which fresh unsalted butter and lichen (crotal) was added. Used for healing all kinds of burns.
Location: North Uist, Blàsheabhal [Blashaval]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cloimh-an-domail: [See cloimh-an-dombail.]
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Blàthan-Leighis / Medicinal Plants
cloimh-an-dombail: loose tufts of wool left on the heather by sheep walking through
it.
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Blàthan-Leighis / Medicinal Plants
cloimh-an-dombail: the loose wool falling from the fleece of sheep on to the heather, and sticks sometimes to the heather. [NOTES: the word-list has ‘dombail’ but in one of his later word-lists, Mr Morrison corrected it to ‘domail’.] [SLIP: Loose wool which has fallen from a sheep and stuck on to tufts of heather.]
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
clois an iomaire: The final furrow in ridge. [NOTES: spelled ‘clais (an iomaire)’ on the slip.]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
closachadh: Quotation: Bha closachadh againn gus an tigeadh atharrachadh air an tìde. Notes: rest.
Origin: Carradale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
clotcheann: Notes: (1) an untidy head of hair. (2) ’Se do chlotcheann a th’ann – it’s actually you.
Location: North Uist, Grimsay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
clout sgùraidh: someone who is being taken advantage of, e.g. “Tha thu ’nad chlout sgùraidh aig an sin.” [NOTES: ‘clout’ corrected to ‘clobhd’.]
Origin: [Harris]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cluais an t-siùil: [?] pios [piece?] held in hand to control sail.
Location: [Harris], Leverburgh
Category: Togail Bhàtaichean / Boat-Building
Cluas: Nuair a ruigeas tu an ceann tha thu a’ cur cluas no earbull eile air an druim an so. Faodaidh cluas is earbull no dà earbull a bhith air a chula sreang lin bhig.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
cluasag no donnach: Tha iad so na’s motha na na geallaraich [q.v.] le da shlige shleamhuinn ghlas ghorm. ’S ann an Uig a chunnaic mi iad so, is tha na sligean aca pailt air cladaichean Ghesiadar is Charaisiadar. Mar maoraich eile na slige shleamhuinn ’s ann air an uachdair ri na sgeirean is air a’ ghainmhich a gheibhear iad.
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness, Lionel
Category: Maorach / Shellfish
Cluasan na sgùil: So toll anns gach cliathaich (a) Gus greim a ghabhail air nuair a bhiodh tu a’ falbh leis an sgùil air do chruachainn, air do ghualainn, no air cùl t-amhach. (b) Gus cluas no earbuill an lin bhig a cheangal ann nuair a sguireadh tu a bhiadhadh. (c) Gus sreang a cheangal tarsainn air an lion bho chluas gu cluas gus nach tuit e mach as nuair a bhios i agad air cùl t-amhach.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
cluich-bhall: [kɫu̜iv[ɑu]ɫ] Quotation: A’ bheil thu dol a’ choimhead air a’ chluich-bhall an diugh.
Location: Invergarry, North Laggan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cluichd an taighe: a form of rounders.
Location: South Uist, Bornish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cluiche air na putanan: Cho fada agus a tha cuimhne agam is ann faisg air an aon seòrsa a bha na trì cluicheannan-sa [i.e. cluiche air na putanan, cluiche air na clacha beaga and cluiche air na sgilligean]. Gun mhóran eadar-dhealachaidh, ma bha eadar-dhealachadh sam bith, ach anns na h-ainmeannan. Bhiodh sinn cuideachd ’g an dèanamh a muigh air a’ chùl le buachar tioram nan caorach as t-samhradh. (Airson ‘cùl’ agam-sa tha mi deanamh a mach gur h-e ‘cùl-cinn’ a th’aig Dòmhnall Iain (fear na Hearadh.) Feuchaibh e!)
Origin: Leodhas [Lewis], Uig
Category: Cur-seachadan: Dèideagan, Geamaichean is Farpaisean / Recreation: Toys, Games, Contests
cluinn: vb ‘hear’ : vbl nn: a' cluinnteil for [-nʹdʹ-]; bha mise an deoghaidh an naidheachd a chluinnteil [DAG]
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
clupad: Quot.: an clupad. Note: liver fluke in sheep.
Location: Harris, Grosebay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
clàbh: “Dùin an clàbh doruis sin.” – An clàbh a bha deanamh a’ chlàbhaidh (dorus).
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
clàimheag: (Fuaimnich mar làimh + ag, làimheag, laivak, claivak.) Iasg beag dubh, donn, ruadh, no mar sin, a gheibheadh tu ann an lòn anns a’ chladach, ’s e clàimheag a bh’ann. Iasg sam bith de’n t-seòrsa seo shuas ’s e clàimheag a bh’ann. Chan eil cinnt sam bith agam mu’n ainm-sa ‘clàimheag’ – an robh e air iasg sònruichte sam bith, no an è ainm a bh’ann air éisg bheaga mar a dh’ainmich mi. (Faic clàidheag ’s a leithid sin.)
Origin: Lewis, Uig an Iar
Category: Maorach / Shellfish
clàimhean: Quotation: Na chuir thu ’n clàimhean air an dorus? Notes: Did you bolt the door? Did you put the latch on the door?
Origin: West Lewis [the location given on the slips]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
clàr: Quotation: clàr an aodainn [kɫɑɑ˖rənɤɤdẹnʹ]. Notes: forehead.
Location: Ross of Mull
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
clàr lìn-bhig: Bha dà sheòrsa aca de dh’uidhean airson an lìon-beag a chur ann: clàr agus sgùil. 1. Bha an sgùil de chaol no de chèuna [?]. Bha cumadh na sgùile rudeigin mar seo (Bho a taobh; A sealltainn sìos oirre): [see illustrations]. Bha i air a’ figheadh mar cliabh no bascaid. Bhiodh i mu cheithir troighean a dh’fhad. 2. Bha an clàr air a dhèanamh le bùird fhiodha agus a chumadh rudeigin mar a shoilleirich mi, an seo shuas (Bho a thaobh; Bhos a chionn): [see illustrations].

Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Leabhar Deilbh / Drawing Book
clàrag: Bha a’ chlàrag mar a chì sibh agam an seo shuas. Nuair a bhiodh an snìomh a’ dol ’na theas, bha dà phiorna aca airson na cuibhle. Nuair a bhiodh fear làn, bhatar ’ga thoirt bharr na cuibhle agus ’g a chur anns a’ chlàraig agus duine eile ’ga thachrais. Bha am piorna a bha falamh ’ga chur anns a’ chuibhle nuair a thigeadh am fear làn aisde. Cha robh tìde sam bith air a chall. Chanadh cuid “a’ chuibhle bheag” ris a’ chlàraig.

Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Leabhar Deilbh / Drawing Book
clàrag (a sgriobain): air a chumail anns a bhata nuair tha an sgrioban [q.v.] air a leigeil sios do ghrunn na mara. [NOTES: slipped under ‘clàrag’ with ‘clàrag a sgriobain’ as the quotation.]
Origin: An t-Eilean Sgitheanach [Skye; Skye, Glendale acc. to other questionnaires]
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
clàrc an t-seisein: Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
clàrc an t-Seisein: Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
clàrc an teshan: Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
clárk an t-seisean: session clerk.
Origin: [the questionnaire gives Ross-shire but it is most probably meant as the county not origin]
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
clèideag (-an): [e:] Shaoil leis gun cluinnear am facal seo ann an Ìle.
Origin: [Barra]
Category: Sìde / Weather
cléibeadaich: [kle:bəd̪iç] Quot.: “Tha e air chléibeadaich.” Note: (1) Could be “air chléibeadaich leis an fuachd” or some such external influence so that the person concerned is unable to control movement, e.g. a shiver or shake. (2) Also a child could be “air chléibeadaich” if it was noisily demanding something and very “het-up” about it.
Origin: Ness
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cléibh an eich: Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cléigeanach: [kle:ɡʹɑṉɔx] Quot.: “Cléigeanach dubh-cheann gun chìreadh, Cha teid mìr an ìre dha.” (waulking song) Note: (1) having unruly hair. (2) a person with unruly hair.
Origin: [Ness]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cléireach: an altar boy.
Location: South Uist, Milton
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cléireach: Quotation: cléireach an t-seisein. Notes: session clerk.
Origin: Islay, Ballygrant
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cléireach an t-seisein: Origin: [Skye, Camus Chroise]
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
clìopadh: an earmark where a line goes through almost all of the ear leaving it without feeling so that it folds over. [NOTES: corrected to ‘cliopadh’.]
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
clìor: advb ‘total, complete’ 1 : bragair ~ do chù ‘ bh’ ann cuideachd, ‘s e, bragair do chù; fhuair an gille òg __ ~; murt ~ a bha seo; chuir iad ròpa ~ mun cuairt air na casan aige;
leum i seo ~ a-staigh sa wagon; fhuair iad ~; tha i ' sèideadh, ~; clìor: bha i air e ‘ èillteachadh ~ bhon tairneanaich ‘s bhon dealanaich, bha e air ‘ èillteachadh ~ ròmpa; bha e ‘
smaoineachadh gur e fear dubh ~ a bha ann
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
clòbhar: clover. An exemptional [sic] [exceptional?] nutriment, nourishment, in connection
with the feeding of cattle.
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Blàthan-Leighis / Medicinal Plants
clòsaid: another sleeping chamber. [Cf. uachdar an taighe.]
Location: South Uist, West Kilbride
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
clòthan: Quotation: Trì chlòthanan agus an clòthan meadhoin air thoirt as. Notes: earmark.
Location: Skye?, Braes, Baile Meadhonach
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cnag: Quot.: Cuir an cnag air an dorus. Note: locking device on a door.
Origin: [Lewis], Arnol
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cnag: a time limit. “Bidh mi air ais ann an cnag.”
Location: [South Uist], Daliburgh (Schoolhouse)
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cnagadan: the log underneath the plank which formed an essential part of a see-saw. “Déile bhogadain tonn a’ chnagadain.”
Location: South Uist, Stoneybridge
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cnaidsaireachd: prior to the modern established trade of a joiner in these islands this is a word people used when referring to someone who was always working with wood. “Bha e a’ cnaidsaireachd air cùl an taighe.” Obviously not considered as a viable occupation, even if you were doing odd jobs for neighbours, which was also called ‘cnaidsaireachd’.
Location: North Uist, Lochportan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cnaimh: Quotation: cnaimh an droma [k̥ɾɑ̃ĩvəndrọmə]. Notes: spine.
Location: Ross of Mull
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cnaimh: Quotation: cnaimh an t-slinein [krɑ̃ĩvəntlʹinʹɑ̣˖nʹ]. Notes: the shoulder blade.
Location: Ross of Mull
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cnaimh: Quotation: cnaimh an uchd [kɾɑ̃ĩvənʊxk]. Notes: breast bone.
Location: Ross of Mull
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cnaimh: Quotation: cnaimh an urabail [kɾɑ̃ĩvənurəbulʹ]. Notes: tail bone.
Location: Ross of Mull
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cnaimh an droma: [backbone.]
Origin: Barra
Category: Crodh / Cattle
cnaiseag (f), -an: [pl] pimple.
Origin: Tiriodh [Tiree]
Category: Coltas an Duine / Personal Appearance
cnangach an earraich (fuar): everything dries up and kills bugs and insects.
Origin: Mull, Tobermory
Category: Sìde / Weather
cnap: used for an overcast sky.
Origin: [Note: From North Uist, information from Alex O’Henley / RÓM 4 Dec 2023]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cnap: Leag an damh Alasdair. Chaidh e thuige le cnap. Chaidh e thuige le deann, mar tarbh ann an sabaid an tairbh anns an Spàinnt.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cnap: nn ‘lump’: cha robh thu suppose-te ‘s làmh a chur na ch. [FMM]; bha croit mhòr air do ~ air an druim aige
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
cnaplach: knotty. Female (suffering) in particular with rheumatic effects as lumpy hands, lumps of rheumatism ailment. An inactive female is sometimes described by a person of a similar movement in the case of action to be taken and that person not approving to her as: A chnaplach a tha thu ann, in this circumstance, etc.
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cnarrag (-an): small boats. [Cf. curachan.]
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cnatan: [kɾɛt̪ɑ̃ṉ] Quotaiton: an cnatan. Notes: a cold or a chill.
Origin: Islay, Ballygrant
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cnatan thobhtaichean: Cnatan a gheibheadh tu le fuachd. Mar a bhiodh balaich is cloinn-nighean fada ’n an seasamh a muigh ri balla, ag còmhradh ’s a geòbraich. Balaich is cloinn-nighean mhóra, thoir an aire. Tuigidh sibh fhéin!
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cnead (m): Quotation: Bha a’ leanabh a’ rànaich gus an dàinig cnead ann. Notes: whimper?
Location: Harris, Ardhasaig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cneamh an droma: back bone.
Location: Na Hearadh, Gòbhaig [Harris, Gobhaig]
Category: Crodh / Cattle
cneapailte (-an) (‘n’ – R sound): garter.
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cneas an t-sionnaich: fox’s crest (fern). [SLIP: Fox’s crest (a type of fern – English name uncertain).]
Origin: Kill-Fhinn
Category: Crodh / Cattle
cnodag (-an): affectionate term for daughters. Often carries on beyond childhood. “Na cnodagan agamsa.”
Location: South Uist, Iochdar
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cnot an doruis: a small revolving block of wood used to secure a door or gate.
Location: North Uist, Iollathraigh [Illeray]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cnotag: wooden clisp. Cuir a’ chnotag air an doruis. [NOTES: the slip has ‘…air an dorus’. Definition: Wooden clasp.]
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cnothag: Quotation: An ròs a’ tighinn ás a’ chnothaig. Notes: a bud.
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cnàimh: nn ‘bone’: an cnàimh broillich ‘breastbone’ [FMM]
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
cnàimh an droma (m): backbone.
Origin: Tiree
Category: Crodh / Cattle
cnàimh bod an dòbhrain: dried otter’s penis-bone – chewed to relieve toothache.
Origin: [Barra]
Category: Blàthan-Leighis / Medicinal Plants
cnàmh: [kɾɑ̃:v] Quotation: an cnàmh. Notes: blight in potatoes.
Location: Lewis, Barvas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cnàmh: [kɾɑ̃:v] Quotation: Tha an t-uan a’ cnàmh a’ mhathair. Notes: suckle.
Origin: Assynt, Stoer
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cnàrrag: Quotation: A’ ràmhadh a’ chnàrrag an aodann na gaoith. Notes: seòrsa eathair a bhiodh aca o chionn fada.
Location: [see below]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cnò: Quotation: Mu’m bragadh tu cnò. Notes: In the twinkling of an eye.
Location: Skye, Elgol
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cocadh: Quotation: a’ cocadh an fheòir.
Location: Skye, Kilmuir
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cocadh an fheoir: Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
cochall: Quotation: an cochall [koxəɫ] or cochull. Notes: covering on lamb at birth.
Origin: Islay, Ballygrant
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cochlaich: Quot.: “Chaneil aige ach an t-aon chochlaich cainnt.” Note: frothy, prattling talk.
Origin: [Ness]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cog: This was the vessel used for milking shaped like this: [see below]. Excuse the poor drawing but this will give you some idea how it looked. It was made of wood with an iron ring round the top and bottom. One spar of the cog was longer than the others in order to hold it steady when the calf was drinking. The ‘co’ same as in ‘còig’ or rather a softer sound as in ‘cothrom’.

Origin: Inverness-shire, Nethy Bridge
Category: Crodh / Cattle
cogadh: nn ‘war’: bha iad a’ dol a ch. an aghaidh a chèile
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
coguill: Quotation: Coguill an teine. Notes: replenish the fire.
Location: [see below]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
coidhligeadh: applied to someone who is engaged in demanding inconvenient labour. I think this word also contains a sense of gathering. Heard this word whilst informant was busy gathering towels throughout the house, which were to be washed – “Tha mise a’ coidhligeadh an seo.”
Location: North Uist, Knockintorran
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
coilag liann: [sic] earwig. (I haven’t a clue about spelling of last. An afterthought came to me that it may well be ‘cuileag leathann’, an earwig having a broad flat body.)
Location: Argyll, Tarbert, Muasdale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
coileach: Quotation: coileach an teas. Notes: the glitter from rocks when the sun shines on them.
Location: Romasdal
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
coileach an teas: Notes: when day is hot, and the heat shimmers, the illusion is called coileach an teas.
Location: [see below]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
coileach-gòthan: buntàta le itean air an stobadh ann. Bhidhte cluich leis air là gaothach. “Shuttlecock”. (Tiriodh)
Location: [various]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
coileachadh an uisge: beating the water to confuse trout, making them more vulnerable.
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
coilleag: [kəʎɑɡ] Notes: an arrangement of 4 peats standing on end and leaning against each other with a fifth lying on top. Verb: coilleagachadh. (In Lewis this is a “rùmhan”.)
Location: Harris
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
coilleag: scum of fat, coating of fat. Tha coilleag air an t-sùth.
Location: [Harris], Scalpaigh [Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
coilleag (-an): sand dunes.
Origin: [Note: From North Uist, information from Alex O’Henley / RÓM 4 Dec 2023]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
coimhead: Quotation: Bha mi ga choimhead [xɛ̃əd̪] an raoir.
Location: Tiree, Caolis
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
coimhead: vb ‘look’: vbl nn.: chaidh an gille seo a ch. air son na tuaigh
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
coinghig: an angry look, often applied to a dog with his hair ruffled. [NOTES: note in the margin – confhadh, rage, fury (N. Uist). (black ink)]
Location: South Uist, Bornish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
coinneal: Quotation: Cha robh e soirbh da marsainn agus a’ choinneal a’ gabhail aig an dà cheann.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
coinneal: [kɤnʹɑɫ] Quot.: “Cuir an clò air a’ choinneal!” Note: after the waulking of the cloth was over it was made into a roll.
Location: Harris, Quidinish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
coinneamh: Quotation: coinneamh an t-seisein. Notes: session meeting.
Origin: Islay, Ballygrant
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
coinneamh sheachdainn: Meeting held during the week. Could be in a house or in the meeting-house (tigh-coinneamh) i.e. a small hall erected by the church in an outlying village.
Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
coinnibh, an ~: prep. ‘before, in front of’: a’ tighinn nam ch.
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
coinnleag: could be used for an eddy but also applicable for the gurgling of fat.
Location: [South Uist], Daliburgh (Schoolhouse)
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
coinnspeach: nn ‘wasp’ : ~; gen.:chuir seann duine a bha ann teine ris an nead-choinnspich; gen. pl.: bha nead mhòr choinnspeach
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
coinseog: Quotation: pl. -an. Notes: sock – half-calf length – knitted for sale. ?Eng. gum-sock.
Location: Harris, Ardhasaig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
coirbhtheann, coirtheann (’s mar sin): 3 òirlich thuirt mi, ach an cumantas bhiodh iad na bu mhotha na sin. 4 òirlich, a’ tòiseachadh aig an sin, dh’fhaodainn a chantuinn. Agus na bu mhotha. Caochladh chumaidhnean orra.

Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
coirceid: [k[ɔi]çcɛdʹ] Quotation: Cha do chuir mi coirceid air an duine ud a riamh. Notes: offend, rattle a person.
Location: Canada, Christmas Island
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
coire: Quot.: “Tha e ’n cómhnaidh ’na cumail ann an coire teth.” Note: het up, excited, “on pins”.
Origin: Barvas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
coire (E): Chan eil e againn an còmhradh cumanta idir. Ach tha e againn ann an ainm: Coire Dhìobadail ann am Beannaibh Eadar-dha- [sic] [Fadhail? see above].
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Cruth na Tìre / Landscape Features
coire-dath: an iron container where wool was boiled and coloured.
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
coireach: adj. ‘responsible, to blame’: cha b’ e Dia bu ch. e; an rud is ~ mise a bhith air __ ‘ tighinn ionns’ an t-saoghail [-ɣ-]; shin bu ch. an t-easpaig a ghlasadh nan doirsean [DAG];
tha seans sin bu ch. mi ga fhaighinn
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
coireadh: [coire] nn ‘ ‘kettle’: bha an ~ air an stove [FMM]
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
cois, an ~: prep. ‘beside’: bha rathad suas an ~ a’ chladaich [DAG]; bha ’n ùirne ’ falbh na ch.
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
coisinn: vb ‘earn’: cond.: an dolar a choisinneadh sibh, gum feumadh sibh an aire a thoirt dha
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
colaidh: [koɫi] Quotation: Tha a’ mhart ann an deagh cholaidh. Notes: for culaidh. She is in fine condition, of good appearance.
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Antigonish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
colainn: [kɔɫĩnʹ] Quotation: Chaidh an t-each air a cholainn. Notes: The horse overturned.
Origin: Bunloit
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
colainn: nn f. ‘body’: chan e a’ ch. idir ach an soul … chan eil sa ch. againn ach mar a bhiodh cnap do chloich
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
colann: nn ‘body’: ‘s e ~ gun cheann a bha aca; nach do thachair an ~ gun cheann air
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
colas an t-sàtain: the appearance of Satan.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Coltas an Duine / Personal Appearance
colas-an-uilc: the appearance of evil.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Coltas an Duine / Personal Appearance
colbhag: Quotation: an òrdag, a’ cholbhag, Fionnladh fada, Mac an Aba, [u̜i:dʹʒɑɡ].
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
colbhan: “Colbhan an robha” (de thombaca). – the core. “Cha robh gearradh air a fhagail aige ach colbhan an robha.”
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Colbhansai, Colasa: Carn an Eòin, Sgorr Hurlaidh, Bealach na h-Airde, Bealach na Gaoithe, Cnoc Ormadail, Traigh Chill Orain, Cnoc Mhic ’Ille Mhinniche, Port an Òbain, na Dùintean, Bealach an Leóghainn, Port na Cuilc, Carraig a’ Chait, Meall na Suiridh.
Origin: [Strathglass]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
colg: showing signs of anger. De an colg a th’ort?
Location: South Uist, Bornish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
collas: Quot.: “Bha mi far an robh an collas.” Note: hustle and bustle, e.g. at a wedding. Also: “Abair gu robh collas air a’ dol suas a’ rathad.” – in a hurry.
Origin: Caversta
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
collection: (An t-ainm Beurla.)
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
coltach: Quotation: Tha e coltach ris an uisg. Notes: “It looks as if it is going to rain.”
Origin: Glenurquhart
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
coltair: Quotation: an coltair. Notes: “coulter” of the plough.
Origin: Islay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Coltas an duine (Personal Appearance): Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Coltas an duine (Personal Appearance): Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Coltas an Duine / Personal Appearance
coltas aognuidh air an talamh: applied to land that was barren in appearance.
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
comach: Quotation: Thuit mar chomach ris an deibh. Notes: ‘on account of’.
Location: Ross-shire, Gairloch
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
comain: Quotation: Chan ann gun dùil comain a nì an croman fead. Notes: croman – chough.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
comanachadh: Quotation: an comanachadh. Notes: Communion.
Origin: Glenurquhart
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
comanachadh: Quotation: An Comanachadh. Notes: Communion.
Origin: Islay, Ballygrant
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
comas: nn ‘ability, power’: nam biodh ~ mo chasan agamas; dh’fhalbh an latha sin: chan eil ~ air ‘cannot be helped’
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
comasach: adj. ‘capable’: bha iad ~ air … an obair a dhèanamh iad fhèin
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Mira Co., Marion Bridge
Category: Word List
comha-thràth: [ɡõə̃rɑ:] Quot.: “Beiridh an comha-thràth ort ma theid thu a mach an drasd.” Note: thought of by children as some sort of “bodach”.
Origin: [Lewis], Arnol
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
comha-thràth: Quotation: Thig a steach mas beir an comha-thràth [ɡõ:rɑ:] ort. Notes: belief among us when young that this was a sort of “bogeyman” who came out at nightfall.
Location: Lewis, Barvas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
comhair, an ~: prep. ‘before’: ‘s ann __ an ~ an toisich a chaidh i __ fodha ‘head first’
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
comhar, an ~: prep. ‘to, towards’: gun tighinn an ~ an àite
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Mira Co., Marion Bridge
Category: Word List
comhludair: advisor or someone who set an example to others. In this case ‘droch chomhludair’ is someone who teaches his companions alls the vices in the world.
Location: South Uist, Lochcarnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
comhlìon: vb ‘fulfil’: vbl nn: ach gus an lagh a chomhlìonadh
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
comhstadh (sic): [kɔsdəɣ] Quotation: airson [kɔsd̪əɣ]. Notes: for an obligement.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
comunn: Quotation: Comunn gillean na geire – ged bu mhilis an toiseach bu mhosach an deireadh. (from Jessie MacLeod, Ness. 1957)
Location: Lewis
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cona-mheur: [kɔ̃ṉɑvĩɑ̃ɾ] Notes: the point at the base of an otherwise “unpointed” antler (see cabar-slait).
Location: Ross-shire, Dornie, Morvich
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
conablach: a broken down person. Could be as a result of age or illness. Also self inflicted illness – “Tha mi nam chonablach an diugh as deidh deoch.”
Location: South Uist, South Boisdale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
conagag: Whelk. (Air a fhuaimneachadh: conagag mar ‘monmhar’ (‘monabar’ ann an Uig againne).)
Origin: Lewis, Uig an Iar
Category: Maorach / Shellfish
conalòid: [kɔ̃ṉəɫɔ:dʹ] Quot.: “Nach dean sibh air ar socair ’s sibh a deanamh [kɔ̃ṉəɫɔ:dʹ] dhan an tigh.” Note: putting the house into disarray.
Origin: Kershader
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
conamhaireachd: Quotation: Dé an conamhaireachd a th’ort a sin? Notes: spoiling something one is working on perhaps, or deliberately spoiling.
Location: Lewis, Barvas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
conaroghainn: Quotation: Tha mi ann an conaroghainn. Notes: “in two minds.” Source: Mrs Kennedy, Tiree (via K. Campbell). Date: 1977.
Location: [see below]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
conasg: “gur boidheach an conasg g[?] stoban gu léir ann.”
Location: Mull [see below for details]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
conbhair: an enemy, a plunderer.
Origin: [Strathglass]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
conn: Quotation: conn an uaireadair. Notes: regulator of a watch.
Origin: Skye
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
connadh: [kon̪əɣ] Quotation: uair a’ ghille connaidh. Notes: when New Year was held on 12th January, the day had begun to lengthen a little, less than an hour. This gave a person a chance to go out in the late afternoon to gather fuel.
Origin: Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
connstabull: Oifigeach ann an Comataidh a’ Bhaile (Grazings Committee).
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
conocag: Large whelks, generally white, or white and pink. Chan eil iad an Nis idir, ged a gheibhear corra shlige air a tilgeil aig a’ mhuir air an traigh. Tha iad a’ fàs gu pailt air na Lochan ’san Uig ’sam biadh anabarrach laidir.
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness, Lionel
Category: Maorach / Shellfish
copan: Quot.: “An gabh thu tea?” “Gabhaidh mi copan falamh.” Note: commonly for a cup of tea with nothing to eat with it.
Location: Lewis, Uig, Crowlista
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cor: Notes: used in W. Lewis as the state in which a person is, e.g. Ciod e an cor a th’air.
Origin: West Lewis [the location given on the slips]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
coradh: deeping [sic] [dipping?]; moving the head up and down as a swan on a loch. I coradh ri faileas. (An old word if at all used now?)
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
coras: Quotation: Fhuair mi ’n coras an dé. Notes: “code”. Could apply to business or moral code.
Location: [see below]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Corcach: Hemp. ’Se corcach a tha ann an druim an lin. ’Se dòrgh-dhradh garbh a tha anns na snòtaichean – aig amannan air am fileadh dùbailte. Tha an lion mór air a chur thuige air an aon dòigh ’sa tha an lion beag. Chan eil eadar dhealachadh eadar lion mór is lion beag ach ann an gairbhead an droma, am meud nan dubhan, is an truimid na cruaidhe.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
corcadh: Bha uaireigin a bhiodh muc anns a h-uile tigh, aig na bodaich. Nuair a bhiodh iad ’g a marbhadh bha iad a’ cur na cuirce anns a’ mhuic. Bha iad an uair sin a’ toiseachadh ’g a ruith gu’n tuiteadh i an déidh an fhuil a chall.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cormthaigh (m): an ale-house.
Origin: [Strathglass]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
corp: Quotation: Dh’éirich i agus dh’fhalbh i ann an corp na h-oidhche. Notes: at dead of night.
Origin: Applecross
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
corp: Quotation: ann an corp na seachdain. Notes: in the middle of the week.
Location: Tiree, [Caolas? – one slip]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
corp creadha: an effigy constructed with clay from a river and shaped just above the water of that river. Pins were stuck into this and left on the surface. When the river rose the effigy wore away. At that point the pain would be felt by the victim.
Location: Eriskay, Taobh na Mara
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
corr(a)-: adj. ‘occasional’: bhiodh sin aca san òran-luathaidh cuideachd corr uair, bhiodh sin aca corr an uair
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
corr-thulchainn: maide an ceann [?] tigh-tughaidh. (S. Uist)
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
corra-sgreuch: Canaidh muinntir nan Ceithir-Peighinn-Deug an Uig seo ri ‘corra-ghriodhach’ (heron).
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
corra-sticein: The base of a bowl. Canadh iad seo air an Taobh Siar an Leòdhas. Chan eil e againne an Uig idir.

Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
corrachan: [kɔrɔxɑ̃ṉ] Notes: plant with an edible root – like a nut. Small red flower growing on it.
Location: Glendale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
corrag: Quotation: An òrdag, ’S a chorrag, ’S a mheur-fhada, ’S nic-an-t-sraididh, ’S lughdag bheag an airgid! Notes: the fingers. Probably the lughdag had the rings of silver before Marriage. Nic-an-t-sraididh – fireworks (!) looking for a ring?
Origin: West Lewis [the location given on the slips]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
corran mór: Sickle – bigger than ordinary – had an outward edge like blade of scythe.
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
corran-shìol: Bha corran-shìol airson a bhith a’ glacadh shìolan (sìol ghainmheach) air na tràghannan. ’Se corran-buain a bhiodh ann agus e air a ghearradh beag mar a chì sibh shuas agus fiaclan maola air an toirt ann airson gréim. Bha faobhar a’ chorrain air a mhaoladh – nam biodh e geur, ghearradh e na sìolan.

Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Leabhar Deilbh / Drawing Book
corrathann: [kɔrɑhən̪] Note: a wooden home-made swivel put on an animal’s tether rope.
Location: Lewis, Uig, Crowlista
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
corrghlaich: [kɔɾɔɫiç] Note: low chirping of birds, low grunting sounds made by an animal, e.g. a ram.
Origin: [Ness]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cosd: Quotation: Ma fhreagras an còta, cosd e.
Location: Islay, Port Wemyss
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cosg: vb. ‘cost; spend’ vbl. n. ~: bha e ’ ~ cus; an àm an t-samhraidh cha b’ urrainn do dhuine sam bith sin a ch.
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Mira Co., Marion Bridge
Category: Word List
coslach: [kɔ̹sɫəx] Quotation: coslach beathaich. Notes: skeleton of an animal.
Location: Ross of Mull
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cosmhail: [kɔsɑl] Quotation: Bha i cosmhail ri acair an aranach. Notes: He was so careful that he kept his anchor ashore even when he went out in his boat. When he was caught in a storm, he had none to save him.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cosnach: nn ‘workman’: bha an t-Èireannach ag obair dha, duine ~ math [DAG];
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
cosnaiche: Hard-working, ambitious, capable, lively. “’Se cosnaiche math a bh’ann.” (Faic na faclairean.) Tha ‘cosnaiche’ againn, cuideachd, airson nam fiaclan gearraidh (incisors) gu h-araidh ann an ainmhidhean, bó ’s mar sin. “Na cosnaichean” – the incisors.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Nàdur an Duine / Personality
cota dronnaig (): [masc.] an old skirt or ‘cota’ no longer wearable as such and relegated to a creel pad.
Origin: Eileanaich [natives of Lewis]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
cota drògaid: a coat made up of bits of differently coloured wool. “De an cota drògaid a thoirt [sic] ann an sid?” – said if you had an unsightly piece of clothing on.
Location: Harris, Kyles Stockinish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cota-mòr: n. ‘overcoat’: gus an tigeadh agad air an ~ a thoirt dhìot
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
cotan: Notes: small turf enclosure made at the shieling to accommodate a young calf. Usually a semicircle was dug into the face of the bank an closed in with turf divots.
Location: Lewis, Barvas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Cotan: Cha robh. Ach tha e againn an ainm àite.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
cotan: n. ‘cotton’: agus ’ rud a bha ’ dol anns -- a’ phlaide, bha iad a’ cur ~ an sin
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
cothaich: Quotation: Cothaichidh a’ bhó i fhéin ann an sin. Notes: getting enough feeding.
Location: Skye, Breakish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cothannach: [kɔhən̪ɑx] Quotation: “Bhiodh e a’ cunntadh naoi stuadhannan agus a’ [xɔhən̪ɑx] a thigeadh bhon an naoidheamh stuadh bhitheadh e na chuir ann am botul agus na chrathadh air fear air an robh ‘barr a’ chinn’.” Notes: a Donald Sinclair from Tiree who is supposed to be able to cure “barr a’ chinn” – a lump or lumps which appear at the back of the throat.
Location: Tiree, Caolis
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cothrom: Quotation: “’S ann aige tha’n cothrom.” – It is he that has the wealth. “Chuir e air a chothrom e.” – He put it on the scales. “A reic air a chothrom” – selling by weight or measure, e.g. fish. “A bhinn chothromach” – the just (proper) judgment. “Dh’fhiarr e cothrom.” – He asked permission. “’S ann a ghabh e cothrom air – … took advantage of … “Chan eil cothrom air.” – It cannot be helped. “Chaill e ’n cothrom.” – an invalid who is helpless. “’S math an cothrom.” – We are well, in good condition. e.g. “Ciamar a tha sibh?” (Reply:) “’S math an cothrom.”
Origin: West Lewis [the location given on the slips]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cothromach: Quotation: a’ deanamh an fhiodh cothromach. Notes: having the same thickness all along.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
co’là deug: nn ‘fortnight’: chuimhnich mi air an ceann ~
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
crabhcan (E): ’Se seo a bhiodh againn air a’ bhabht anns a’ bhalla a bhiodh a’ cumail an àirde na slabhruidh bhos cionn an teine.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
crabhladh: [kɾɤ:ɫəɣ] Quot.: Bhiodh iad a’ crabhladh rudan an sud ’s an seo. Note: gleaning, gathering when there is little to gather.
Origin: [Caversta]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
crabhàidseach: Seann chràbhaidseach – an old decrepit person (female). (Donald MacIntyre in Sporan Dhòmhnaill uses “cranàidseichean”.)
Origin: [South Uist]
Category: Coltas an Duine / Personal Appearance
cracain: cream crackers (biscuits). (A word I discovered recently from an old lady: it may be her own invented word… if you will accept it?)
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cracair: [kɾɑxkɑɾ] Quotation: an cracair. Notes: cricket.
Location: Islay, Bowmore
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cragan-faoileig: [See cragan-tràghad] Cràgan-faoileig a chanas iad air na Ceithir-peighinn-deug an Uig, againne.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cragan-tràghad: Sea urchin. Chan eil iad an Nis idir is cha mhotha thachras slige dhuibh [sic] ri duine air an tràigh. Tha iad pailt ri cladaichean Rudha an Tiumpain. Is ann le tràigh reodhart a chithear iad an crochadh ri na sgeirean. Is ann ainneamh a chi thu fear beò os cionn uachdair na mara – bidh iad ris an sgeir mu oirleach no dha fo’n uachdair. Mus tàinig na h-‘ornaments’ gu bhith cho pailt bhiodh cuid a’ toirt dhachaidh feadhainn aca, gan glanadh a mach, a’ suathadh dhuibh [sic] nan gathan is gam peantadh. Rachadh lus a chur annta, gu h-àraidh lus mar seamrag a dh’fhàsadh sios ceithir thimchioll orra agus is minig a chunna mi tri dhuibh [sic] troimh uinneig crochaid mar tri ballaichean ‘pawn-shop’. Chleachd fear mór dhuibh [sic] air a ghlanadh a bhith aig Fuaran Cladach a’ Bhàta, far an togadh tu deoch leis nuair nach ruigeadh tu le do bhus air an uisge.
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness, Lionel
Category: Maorach / Shellfish
craigisgein: Notes: Na ceangail aig gach ceann de’n tigh a nochdadh os cionn an tughaidh – an maide feannaig aig Dwelly.
Origin: Kilmaluag
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
craiteachan: Quotation: craiteachan mine anns an uachdar; craiteachan salainn air an iasg. Notes: sprinkling (< crath). Not in Dw.
Location: Lewis
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cran: [masc.] may have been ‘crann’ but it was always pronounced like an English word. It was an iron bar across the chimney from which hooks (as above [meaning slabhraidh]) were suspended – if there was no ‘slabhraidh’ [q.v.].
Origin: Eileanaich [natives of Lewis]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
crann: Quotation: Bha iad a’ cur cruinn air an t-iasg. Notes: casting lots, for sharing fish.
Location: Ross-shire, Achiltibuie, Alltan Dubh
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
crann: latch. “Chuir i crann air an dorus.”
Origin: Baleshare
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
crann: Bolt of door (on the inside) usually made of iron. Cuir an crann air an dorus – bolt the door.
Origin: Skye
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
crann: mar ann an ‘Dwelly’ ach am facal ‘bòrd ùiridh’ (mould board).
Origin: [Barra]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
crann: Quotation: Cuir an crann air an dorus. Notes: a bolt on a door.
Origin: Tiree
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
crann: “Cuir an crann air.” (Faic stràc.)
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
crann: “Cuir an crann air.” (Faic stràc.)
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
crann: Quotation: an Crann. Notes: the Plough (constellation).
Origin: North Uist
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
crann: Quotation: (1) an crann beag. (2) an crann mór. Notes: (1) the beam on which the cloth is wound in a loom. (2) the beam on which the yarn is wound.
Origin: North Uist
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
crann: Quotation: an crann. Notes: slip bolt at the bottom of the door – vertical and going into a hole in the floor.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
crann: Quotation: an crann. Notes: implement used to plough the grain on the malt flour. Rulled [sic] along behind.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
crann iaruinn: Quotation: an crann iaruinn cha b’ionann doigh ’s th’aca diugh.
Location: Mull
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
crann sathte: an arrow.
Location: Skye
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
crann-arain: Quotation: an crann-arain. Notes: ‘The Plough.’
Origin: Skye
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Crann-thairgnean: Cha robh. Ach an cas-chrom.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
crannagan: nn ‘churn’: an t-uachdar anns a’ ch.; an t-uachdar a chur na ~
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
craoiceall: an old, craggy featured man.
Location: South Uist, Daliburgh
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
craos: Quotation: Chan eil air an aois ach a thigeil (sic) air a’ chraois (sic). Notes: Mack.’s genders tend to be eccentric. Source: Angus MacKenzie, Burncrook, Bayble, Lewis. Date: October 1970.
Location: Lewis
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
craslach: Notes: bare skeleton of an animal.
Location: Harris, Scarp
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
crath: vb ‘shake’: past: ch. i às an fheadhain eile; ~ air an each e; mar a ch. e e fhèin
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
crathagan: uncertain. Have heard it applied to washing on a line, i.e. crathagan aodaich air an t-sreing. There’s crathtachan – a small sprinkling as of salt or oatmeal, etc.
Location: [Lewis], Ness
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
creaban: [krẽ̜b̥an] 3 legged stool.
Location: Tummel and Rannoch
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
creachain: Bhiodh slige-chreachain aig na cailleachan airson toirt an uachdair bharr a’ bhainne.
Origin: Lewis, Uig an Iar
Category: Maorach / Shellfish
creachal: ruin, devastation. “’S bochd an creachal a tha air m’inntinn.”
Location: South Uist, Milton
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
creachan: Clam. ’S e maorach muir domhain a tha so, agus gheibhear cor fhear dhuibh [sic] air an lion-bheag ceithir thimchioll an eilein, ach bidh muinntir Uig agus muinntir nan Loch gan togail le sgumairean ’nan dusain do na h-eathraichean aca aig top reodhart is gan còcaireachd an aon doigh ris a’ mhadadh. Bidh muinntir Uig ga fàgail ann an luin anns a’ chladach agus a’ dol air an tòir as a sin mar a bhios feum orra. As deidh a’ chogaidh mu dheireadh bha campa R.A.F. ann an Ard Uig is bhiodh balaich a’ champa so a’ togail nan creachan na’n ceudan comhdaichte ann an ‘aqua-lungs’ agus ga reic an Steòrnabhagh. Cha robh so a’ còrdadh ri muinntir Uig idir. Bha eagal orra gu gun glanadh iad an grunnd buileach glan, agus mar sin bha iad taingeil gun tug na balaich so an casan leotha nuair a chaidh an campa a dhùnadh bho chionn da bhliadhna. Anns an Rudha na’n togte creachan air lion beag bha an duine leis an robh an lion ga dhleasadh ga fhein. Co dhiù, anns an Rudha bha an creachan ga ithe amh cho luath ’sa thigeadh e air bòrd. Chan fhaca mise iad a’ bruiche chreachan a riamh gus an deacha mi chun na Lochan. Tha e fada na’s blasda amh. ’S e slige a’ chreachain an t-inneal as fheàrr a fhuaireadh fhathast gus an t-uachdair a thogail bho bhainne togalaich.
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness, Lionel
Category: Maorach / Shellfish
creag: Quotation: Is lom’s [sic] is fuar an sabhal [sɑvɑɫ] a’ chreag. Notes: “Bare and cold the barn is the rock.” Insecurity of fishing.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
creagag: nn : pl.: ~an ‘rocks around quay’
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
creagdhubh: [sic] an angler fish.
Origin: [Kintyre, Tarbert]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
creid: vb ‘believe’: past: cha ch. [xøp] mi nach tug e; vbl nn: bha ise ‘ ~sinn sna spioraid gu h-uamhasach; tha feadhain a ~sinn sa bhuidseachd; thug iad a chreidsinn air an t-seann
fhear
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
creideamh: nn ‘belief, faith, religion’: chan eil mòran creidimh idir ann an gin dhiubh do sheòrsa sam bith
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
creim: vb ‘gnaw’: cond.: na fèithean, tha fhios ‘ad, sa choillidh, nuair a chreimeadh iad àrd suas; nuair a bhiodh na beathaichean, nuair a … chreimeadh iad an talamh
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
creiseim (E): [Changing the arrangement of the threads in the eyes for a new pattern.] Cho fad agus is aithne dhomhsa ’s ann tha seo air a dhèanamh leis a’ chreiseim (faic ‘creiseim’ Dwelly t-d 317). Is ann a’ cur an t-snàth ann an dòigh àraidh air na bacain ud a bha an t-allt (E) a bha gu a bhith air an aodach air a shuidheachadh. ’Se an creiseim a chuala mise air an seo. (Fuaimnich: criseim. Seo mar a tha e againne.)
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Obair na Clòimhe / Wool-Working
creithire: Quotation: Là Lùnasdail, theid an t-sùghadh as a’ chreithire. Notes: the cleg was supposed to lose its sting on this day. Also said to depend on the weather.
Origin: Islay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
creunan: [kðe:ṉɑṉ] Note: continuous moaning or complaining as an ill person or person feigning illness. Also used of subdued sobbing, as old woman or child.
Origin: [Ness]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
creutair suarach: an insignificant [sic].
Category: Nàdur an Duine / Personality
criathar: gus an siol a thearbadh bho’n chalg no bho’n mholl.
Origin: [Barra]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
criathar: Notes: riddle. An criathar mìn – for riddling the meal after coming from the mill. An criathar garbh – for riddling the grain.
Origin: North Uist
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
criathar: Quotation: cas circ ann an criathar. Notes: thin-legged woman with big boots.
Origin: North Uist
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
criathar: [kriəhər] Notes: an instrument for separate [sic] grain and chaff, a sieve.
Location: Ross of Mull
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
criathar (m), criathair (pl): deeper than “fasganadh” [q.v.] – c. 4" and with a perforated sheepskin bottom (done with a red hot knitting needle or ‘dealg’). Airson fras a’ sgeallain a chur as an t-sìol. (Wild mustard – finer than oats or barley.)
Origin: Tiree
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
cribheall: [kðivɑɫ] Note: an awkward person, hobbledehoy.
Origin: [Ness]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cridhe: Quot.: “mu chridhe an t-samhraidh”. Note: about the middle of summer.
Origin: [Lewis], Arnol
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cridhe: Quotation: an cridhe [əŋɡrʹiiʔə]. Notes: the heart.
Location: Ross of Mull
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
crioman: a short distance. “Chan eil e ach crioman sios an rathad.”
Origin: Baleshare
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
crionalach: [kɾw̃ṉəɫəx] Note: applied to an old broken-down object, esp. a boat. “Crionalach de dh’eathar”.
Origin: Carloway, Doune
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
crionan-dearg: Quotation: An crionan-dearg is an liath-cheann anns a’ mhointich chrion thioram. Source: J. MacKay, (Lochaber). Date: 1981.
Location: [see below]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cripidh: [kɾipi] Quotation: an cripidh. Notes: three-legged stool used for milking.
Origin: Islay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
crith: Quotation: crith an orcain. Notes: violent shivering (e.g. in extreme cold).
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Boisdale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
crith: shiver. Air chrith leis an fhuachd.
Origin: Tiriodh [Tiree]
Category: Faireachdain / Senses
crith-bhileag: Quotation: Bha crith-bhileag air leis an fhuachd. Notes: shivering uncontrollably.
Location: Skye, Breakish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
critheamh gorm: an illness affecting cattle, especially heifers.
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
crithean: nn ‘poplar’: an ~
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
critheanach: Quotation: an critheanach. Notes: shaking disease in sheep; loses flesh. Due to a deficiency in diet. (See a’ chritheanach – DMD, Islay.)
Origin: Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
critheanach: Quotation: a’ chritheanach. Notes: in both cattle and sheep. Water on the brain. The animal went blind and went round in circles. (Cf. an critheanach – AMI, Islay.)
Location: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Criudha chutairean: Tha triùir anns gach criudha – da chutair agus pacair. Ann an Leódhas co dhiu, ’se boireannaich a bhiodh anns gach criudha, ach bhiodh criudhaichean fhireannach a Eirinn an sud ’san so am puirt a’ chost a sear as t-samhradh air am biodh na caileagan a’ faighinn dibhersion gu leor.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
crog: Notes: an old sheep, after 4th or 5th lamb.
Origin: Islay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
croga: a jar; an old ewe.
Location: South Uist, Bornish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
croga: an aged ewe.
Origin: [Arran]
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
crogais: Chan eil e idir againn. Ach tha ‘croga’ againn (mar ‘crog’ air t-d 275: ‘aged and effete ewe, sheep past bearing’. (Cho fada agus a tha cuimhne agam, ’se seo an seadh anns am bheil e againn.)
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
crogais: pasgan dhiùbh an àite buidhe.
Origin: Geàrrloch (Loch Iubh) [Gairloch (Loch Ewe)]
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
croich or croichean (pl.): poles on the shore for drying nets. Cuiridh sinn an lìon air a’ chroich. (They have all disappeared.) ‘Crochans’ in English.
Origin: [Kintyre, Tarbert]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
croimheach: [krɔ̃ĩʔəx] Quotation: “Tha thu feicinn ’dar a dh’fhiachas esan diubhal tha so a’ gortachach a’ mhairt agus tha i ’ga bhreabadh, higich e leis fiar ithe ach chan fhaod e diubhal.” Notes: an instrument to prevent a calf suckling.
Location: Mull
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
crois: Quotation: a’ croiseadh an t-snàth. Notes: winding wool on the “crois-iarna”. Making hanks.
Origin: North Uist
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
crois: Notes: a cross, in the sense of burden, or pain. Be sin a chrois dhomhsa. Gob na crois – a rock projecting out as an obstacle to an entrance to a harbour.
Origin: West Lewis [the location given on the slips]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Crois an Easbuig: Pectoral Cross.
Location: South Uist, Daliburgh
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
crois-iarna: Quotation: Chuir mi an là air a’ chrois-iarna. Notes: I frittered away the day; I didn’t do anything useful all day.
Location: Skye, Breakish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
crois-iarna (I): Device for making hanks of yarn. Bha i mar seo shìos. Deànta de fhiodh. Glé choltach ann an cumadh ri acair eathair.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Obair na Clòimhe / Wool-Working
croisean: Quot.: an croisean. Note: on a warping frame, there are two pairs of pegs which are opposite each other (one, I think, at the top right hand corner, the other at the bottom left hand corner), whose purpose is to separate each bunch of threads as they are warped on the frame. The first bunch goes over the first peg, under the second, round it, under the first peg and back on the same route etc. This is the croisean:
Location: Harris, Quidinish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
croit: Tha feadhainn dhiubh seo againn ann an ainmeannan ’s a bhaile. Chan e talamh àitich idir. ’Se dromannan a th’unnda.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Cruth na Tìre / Landscape Features
croit: nn f. ‘disiguring hump’: bha ~ mhòr air do chnap air an druim aige
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
croit an fhearainn: a sort of dance. See Caraid nan Gaidheal p. 398.
Location: Skye
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
croma-sgian: Sgian airson a bhith a’ slisneadh broinn mhiosraichean agus nithean de’n t-seòrsa sin. Dheanadh tu i de spàg deamhais no a leithid sin. Is e an gob aice air a lùbadh agus an lùib a bha geur. Bha i mar seo: [see illustration]. ’Se ‘crama-sgian’ mar a chanadh sinne e.

Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Leabhar Deilbh / Drawing Book
cromadh: n. ‘shrink’: bha an gnothach rèidh, bha e an deoghaidh tighinna-staigh cromadh; nuair a gheibheadh is’ gun tigeadh e ’-staigh, dh’fhaodte leth-ch.
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
cromadh: Quotation: Tha i cromadh air an deoch. Notes: She is becoming addicted to drink.
Location: Lewis
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cromadh tombaca: ½ an ounce.
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cromag: Quotation: an cromag. Notes: the straight part of a walking stick.
Location: Skye, Breakish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Cromag an Easbuig: Crozier.
Location: South Uist, Daliburgh
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
croman: Is e seo an seòrsa rud a bhiodh aca a’ togail a’ bhuntàta ann an Leòdhas. Dheanadh Gobha nan Uigean e, ’s cha bhiodh e fada uime. [Parts:] cas, faraich, ceann.
Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
croman: Quotation: Chan ann gun dùil comain a ni an croman fead. Notes: croman – chough.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cronachadh: Notes: an cronachadh – the evil eye.
Location: Islay, Port Wemyss
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cros: 1prep. ‘across’: an t-astar a dhèanamh ~ an t-uisge; cha deachaidh e ~ an acarsaid idir; dh’fhalbh iad … a-nunn cros nam bailtean
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
cros: vb ‘cross’: tha seansa gu na bhrist iad a-staigh ann an àite agus chros iad; vbl nn.: bha aige ri ~adh acarsaid Halifax [DAG]
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
crosach: prep.: ~ fos cionn an àit’ againne;font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; ‘ dol ~ air a’ chladh; a’ tighinn ~; bha e ' dol ~ bho Eilean Cheap Breatainn; nighean bhochd a chaidh ~ an
acarsaid; tha do chreig sa bheinn sin a chuireadh dà causeway eile ~;
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
crosd: ’Se seo a chanas sinn mu chloinn a thà crosd. Cuideachd ‘crosd’ mu dhuine a bhiodh dona gu sabaid, ’s mar sin. “Bha e crosd.” “Duine crosd.” (Bha fear thall againne an Uig ri linn mo sheanar ris an canadh iad “Dòmhnull Bàn Crosd”. Duine tough nuair a bha e òg.) [SLIP: Mischievous (of children). Also (of man) tough, bad-tempered, spoiling for a fight.]
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Nàdur an Duine / Personality
crosgach: [kɾɔsɡɑx] Quotation: Tha ’n eaglais crosgach an rathad. Notes: The church is across the road.
Location: Sutherland, Bettyhill, Skerray
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
crosgadh: in the sense of gathering the lengths of rope which would be on the floor from one end of the house to the other – “A’ crosgadh suas an trògh.”
Location: North Uist, Iollaraigh [Illeray]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
crosgag: Starfish. Chan eil fios agam an e iasg no maorach a tha so. Chunna mi iad air a’ chula cladach a thadhail mi riamh, bàn, is dearg is pinc, ach chan fhaca mi duine riamh gan cur gu feum. Cha mhotha a thainig mi tarsainn orra ann an goile éisg.
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness, Lionel
Category: Maorach / Shellfish
crot: Quot.: crotaichean ràimh. Note: pieces of wood put on an oar to prevent it from chafing where it lies between the thole-pins.
Origin: [Lewis], Arnol
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
crot: Notes: flat piece of wood put on either side of an oar where it passes between the “cnagan” (tholepins) to prevent the oar from chafing.
Location: Skye, Harlosh
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
crota: Quotation: an crota. Notes: square piece in the middle of the oar where it passes through the rowlock.
Origin: Skye, Torrin
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
crotach: Quotation: an crotach. Notes: the curlew.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
crotul is im: crotul is im an ceann a chéile cuideachd air a ghleachdadh mar achduinn-suathaidh
air son losgadh a chuir feabhas (ann an Scalpaigh).
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Blàthan-Leighis / Medicinal Plants
cruach: feur no arbhar san iodhlainn deiseil airson geamhraidh no earraich. Cruach agus dais air an gleidheadh le sioman agus clachan acraich.
Origin: [Barra]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
cruach: Notes: parts of a stack: Am bun-dubh: the base of the stack where the bases of the sheaves are on the ground or foundation. Am bun: the part from the ground up to the eaves. A’ chailleach: the tent-like arrangement of sheaves when beginning to build. A’ bhile: the eaves of the stack. Am bidean: the very tip of the stack. An t-sreath: the outside row of sheaves. A’ lionadh: the inside row of sheaves.
Origin: North Uist
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cruach: Notes: a “hut” of bales. The type of stack which is shaped like a house, not an ordinary corn stack.
Location: Tiree, [Caolas? – one slip]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cruachadh: As déidh nan rùghan bha an cruachadh. A’ mhòine, as na rùghanan, air a deanamh na cruachan móra air bearradh a’ phuill. Ach fada air falbh gu leòir bho an bhearradh airson rum a bhith do na cip airson an tughaidh. Bliadhna a bhiodh neo-chumanta math airson an tiormachaidh, chruachadh tu a’ mhòine as an sgaoiltich. Ach cha b’ann tric a bhitheadh seo.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
cruachadh: So a bhith deanamh cruachan beaga air uachdair a’ phuill no air an ath-bhlar. Cha teid a’ mhoine so a toirt dhachaidh, is dòcha, gus an ath earrach no shamhradh.
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
cruachan-tarruing: Cruachan a bhithist a’ deanamh aig an tigh mar a dheadh agad air. Cha robh làmh a’ dol orra gu’m biodh feum air – gu’n tòisicheadh an obair.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
cruadhaich: Quot.: “a’ cruadhachadh an t-sìl”. Note: seed hardened by heating in a pot (prais) over the fire before being milled.
Origin: [Barvas]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cruaidh-theud: the hook on which utensils were hung above the fire in the old thatched houses of past years in the Highlands of Scotland, in other words a bar of iron with both ends bent, for the said purpose, with an end fitting loosely or freely in the chain link hanging from the roof, known as ‘slabhraidh’. It was probably a word of a Harris origin, or rather an early production of literary efforts towards this item on Harris (one definition).
Location: [Harris], Scalpaigh [Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cruaidhich: vb. ‘harden’: COND.: gus ’na chruaidhicheadh sinn sinn fhèin suas ris an t-sìde
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
cruib: Quotation: Bha cruib air leis an fhuachd. Notes: huddled with the cold.
Location: Skye, Sleat, Calligary
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cruib: Quot.: “Tha cruib air leis an fhuachd.” Note: hunched with the cold.
Origin: [Ness]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cruidh: [kɾwç] Quotation: an cruidh. Notes: rim of cartwheel.
Location: Tiree, Cornaigbeg
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cruidh: vb ‘shoe’: past: ch. [xr̻̻ui̯ç] thu tric gu leòr an t-each ‘ tha thall; bha mi ‘ cruidheadh [k hr̻ui̯əɣ] shìos Saint Rose; vbl nn.: thàinig i ‘-nuas a chruidheadh [+ epenth. ə]
latha dhan cheàrdaich aig Archie
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
cruidhneach: an old woman.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cruimhean: [kɾũ̟ĩɑṉ] Quot.: “Feuch an dean thu cruimhean.” Note: bringing the tips of the fingers and the thumb together. Very difficult to do if the hands are cold.
Location: Lewis, Uig, Crowlista
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cruimseach: [kɾũ̟miʃɑx] Quot.: “Chaneil innt ach cruimseach mhosach.” Note: an unsociable type of woman.
Origin: [Ness]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cruinn: Quotation: Bha m’inntinn cruinn an uair sin (nuair a bha a’ chlann òg) ach tha i ’n diugh a’ falbh air feadh na rìoghachd ’s air feadh an t-saoghail. Notes: Dw. has cruinn in sense of ‘gathered, assembled, collected’, which is close to the above.
Location: Lewis
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cruinn: adj. ‘together’: obair mhòr air cur ~ rudan; tha iad an sin a' dol ~ còmhla[dh]
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
cruinn-leum: Quotation: Bha an t-each na chruinn-leum. Notes: at the gallop.
Location: Tiree, Caolis
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cruinn-leum: Quotation: Bha an t-each ’na cruinn-leum. Notes: The horse was galloping.
Origin: Glenurquhart
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cruinneachadh: Quot.: “An robh a’ chaora sin as a’ chruinneachadh?” Note: gathering of sheep for the ram.
Origin: [Barvas]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cruinneachadh: Tha ciall an fhacail so air atharrachadh a thaobh monach. Ma chanas duine an so, “Bha mi anns a’ mhoine ga cruinneachadh” tha e a’ ciallachadh gu faigh tractar chun nam poll mhonach aige, no gu cuid dhiubh, agus gu robh e a’ deanamh dùin bheaga air na puill gus a bhith deiseil airson an tilgeil do’n tractar a bheir gu rathad làraidh no dhachaidh iad.
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
cruinneachadh: nn ‘meeting’: bha ~ eireachdail againn __ an latha roimhe an seo
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
cruinnich: vb. ‘gather’ VBL. N.: ~nneachadh: bha i an uair sin air a ~ ’s air a cur an pòcannan
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Mira Co., Marion Bridge
Category: Word List
cruisgean: Primitive oil lamp. Consisted of two open shells, an upper and a lower. The lower shell was a trifle larger and longer in spout to catch the drop of oil which at intervals fell from the wick (which terminated in spout of upper shell) when lit.
Origin: Skye
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
cruisgean: crusee [sic], a primitive form of lighting comprising originally of a simple stone with a hollow and fish oil with an ember or reeds, thus the oil in the stone being alight causing a flare to light the interior of the buildings or shack in which the ‘invention’ was placed.
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
crumhagan: [ˈkɾũ̟əɡɑṉ] Quot.: “Feuch an dean thu crumhagan.” Note: bring the tips of the fingers and thumb together – difficult if hand is cold. Also: “crumhagan min”, “crumhagan siùcair” – the amount one would lift between the tips of the fingers and thumb.
Origin: [Lewis], Arnol
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
crumhagan: [kɾũ̟əɡɑ̃ṉ] Quot.: “Feuch an dean thu crumhagan.” Note: This was a test carried out by children on a very cold day to see who was the hardiest. One tried to get all the tips of fingers and the thumb together – very difficult if the hand is benumbed with the cold.
Origin: Ness
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cràic: Quotation: an cràic a chèile. Notes: locked in combat, e.g. two cows.
Location: Lewis, Barvas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cràic: into the fighting access of each other. An cràic a chéile. (Scalpay)
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
créimh an droma: back-bone.
Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
Crìostaidh: nn ‘Christian’: chunnaic e an ~ beannaichte, maighstir Dùghall
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
cròcan: [kɾɔ:kɑn] Note: implement for digging up potatoes. Had a wooden handle with an iron hook on the end. Also an earmark:
Location: Harris, Quidinish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cròdhadh: [kɾɔ:əɣ] Quotation: Chuir iad ann an cròdhadh iad. Notes: putting cattle in for the first time in winter. Also applied to the penning of sheep.
Origin: North Uist
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cròdi: (Uist) An duine bha ri bleith.
Origin: [Skye]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cròic: [kɾɔ:çc] Quot.: “cròic feamainn”. “An robh thu as a’ chròic an diugh?” Note: Berneray (Harris) word for seaweed (especially “feamainn dearg”) deposited in heaps on the shore. “Feamainn dearg” always comes in against the wind – brought in by the undertow.
Origin: Ness
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cròideag: (Uist) An toll anns a’ chloich-bhrà (an tè uachdrach).
Origin: [Skye]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cròidh: [kɾɔ:] Quotation: Tha iad a’ cròidheadh an arbhair. Notes: “leading”.
Origin: Sutherland, Embo
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cròiseanta: bent with an asthmatic complaint. Bodach beag cròiseanta.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
crònan: Quotation: ’S ann dhith fhéin a ni an cat crònan. Notes: selfish, self-centred.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cròsaidh: wood needle, needle for hand weaving garments. An ann le cròsaidh a rinn thu e? (heard from housewives)
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cròtaichean: bits of wood added to an oar so that they would be tighter in the rowlocks. Also used for the bows put in a young girl’s hair. [NOTES: corrected to ‘crotaichean’.]
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cródh: [kɾo:] Quotation: Bha sinn a’ cródh an diugh. Notes: We were “leading” today, i.e. taking in the harvest.
Origin: Drumguish, by Kingussie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
crùbadh: “Chrùb sinn ris an fhrais” (an fhras uisge). – Took shelter from the shower.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
crùbag: The edible crab. Tha iad so pailt an Nis. Tha iad ri’m faighinn anns na sgeirean mun Phort, agus b’àbhaist do dhaoine a bhith deanamh feum dhiubh, ach an diugh, bho chuir Comunn na Siorrachd pìoban salachair a’ bhaile chun na mara aig a’ Phort chan eil duine gan toirt dhachaidh. Thachair a leithid so an iomadh àite anns an eilean so. Bidh na h-iasgairean a’ faighean moran chrùbagan anns na lin-leóbag, rud nach toigh leo idir, agus tha iad ag innse dhomh gur e an aon dòigh air bàs obann a thoirt do chrùbaig, spìc iaruinn a chur troimh druim bho thaobh gu taobh. Aithnich tu air dath na crùbaig ma ’s fhiach i a toirt dhachaidh – bidh a slige dealrach ruadh.
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness, Lionel
Category: Maorach / Shellfish
crùbag eathair: ’S e crùbag eathair a chanas muinntir ceann shios an Rudha ri crùbaig mhor ’sam bith, eadhon ged a gheibheadh iad ann an sgor creige i.
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness, Lionel
Category: Maorach / Shellfish
crùbag sgor: ’Se crùbag sgor a chanas iad (Rudhaich) ri te mheadhonach no ri te bhig ged a gheibheadh iad air an eathar i.
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness, Lionel
Category: Maorach / Shellfish
crùban: Quotation: an crùban. Notes: illness in sheep and cattle said to be caused by cold and damp. Rendered them almost immobile.
Location: Invergarry, North Laggan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
crùgan: an amount of flour for example which you can lift with your fingers closed together.
Location: South Uist, Kildonan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
crùib: [kɾ[ɤı]:b] Quotation: Bha crùib air leis an fhuachd. Bha e na sheasamh na chrùib. Notes: huddled attitude.
Location: Lewis, Barvas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cuach: Notes: a drinking bowl with an ear on each side.
Origin: West Lewis [the location given on the slips]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cuach Phàdruig: used for replenishing the skin on an open ulcer. The leaf placed over the cut.
Location: South Uist, Iochdar
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cuach Phàraig: Greater plantain. Disease: piles. How prepared: whole plant (including roots) boiled in water until very little water left. Butter then mixed with finely ground oatmeal. Formed an
ointment.
Origin: Mull, Bunessan, Ardtun, Knockan or Mull, Burg or Mull, Tobermory or Mull, Bunessan, Taoslainn
Category: Blàthan-Leighis / Medicinal Plants
cuachail: [ku̟ɤxəl] Quotation: Cha robh e a’ deanamh càil fad an latha ach a cuachail timchioll. Notes: moving slowly about.
Location: Lewis, Barvas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cuagach: Quotation: Tha an rathad uamhasach cuagach. Notes: winding.
Location: Ross-shire, Achiltibuie, Alltan Dubh
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cuaichean: Quotation: Tha ’n cat na chuaichean aig an teine. Notes: a ball.
Location: Skye, Harlosh
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cuaileanachadh: surround. Bha e ’g chuaileanachadh gus an t’fhuair e e ann an luib, far do rug e air na ònrachd. (Harris)
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cuairsgean: an envelope.
Location: Barra, Northbay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cuairt: Quotation: “Tha e dol ma’n cuairt.” – He is going around. “Chuir e cuairt air.” – He went round it. “Tha e gabhail cuairt.” – He is out for a walk (round?). An Cuairtich – Shepherd, who rounds up the sheep.
Origin: West Lewis [the location given on the slips]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cuairt-bheòil: Quotation: an cuairt-bheòil. Notes: the top plank.
Location: Skye, Glasnakille
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cuairtealan (n): in circuits, round about; a person moving around. E falbh an sud ’na cuairtealan.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cuairtich-shiataig: Quotation: an cuairtich-shiataig [ku̜ɤʴsṯıçhɛ:t̪iɡʹ]. [NOTES: the turned r used for the symbol which is unclear in the original.]
Origin: Sutherland, Embo
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cual (mhór): pasgan fraoich air a bhuain ’na ghiùlaineadh tu furasda air do dhruim (2½' no 3' troimhe). Thomhaiseadh am fear-tughaidh le shùil có meud cual a dh’fheumadh an tigh agus cha bhiodh e fada ceàrr.
Origin: Geàrrloch (Loch Iubh) [Gairloch (Loch Ewe)]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
cuan: nn ‘ocean’: gu robh an ~ an sin an toiseach leis gheibh thu na shells an sin
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
cuanluasgadh: tossed about by the sea. “Nach iad a fhuair an cuanluasgadh.”
Location: South Uist, Milton
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cuaran: a leather stookie for an injured finger. Like the finger of a glove and tied behind the wrist with a leather strap.
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cudht: an expression used to scare off a cat. “Cudht a chait.”
Location: South Uist, Lochcarnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cudthrom: weight tied to an animal to prevent its escape.
Origin: [Arran]
Category: Crodh / Cattle
cuibheasach: not feasable. “Chan eil e cuibheasach na rudan sin a cheannach an diugh.”
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cuibhne: Adharc féidh. ‘Caoidhne’ a chanas sinn air a fhuaimneach [sic] mar ‘foighneachd’: caoidhne, foighne... Chan eil mi smaoineachadh gu bheil i seo aig an fheadhainn òga an diugh idir.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cuibhteachadh: “Cha robh sinn air cuibhteachadh ris an tigh nuair a thàinig an t-uisge.” – Hadn’t got clear of the house when the rain came on.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cuid: Quot.: “Cuid an t-searraich dhan an treothadh”. Note: The easiest part of a job. The foal followed its mother. (Put also under searrach and treothadh.)
Origin: [Caversta]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cuid: Quotation: Bha cuid aca ann. – Some of them were there. Bha do chuid agad dheth. – You had a part in it. Gabhaibh ar leòir de chuid (substance) an duine chòir. Phòs e luid air sgàth na cuid (wealth), / Dh’fhubh a chuid ’s dh’fhuirich a luid. Chan eil dìth cuid (possessions) air na daoine ’tha sud.
Origin: West Lewis [the location given on the slips]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cuid nan òisgean: “A’ deanamh cùid nan òisgean” – ag ullachadh ’s a cur a mach an cuid do na h-oisgean.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
cuideachd: advb ‘also’: às an tàinig an ~ agadsa [MM]
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
cuideam: Quotation: Tha cuideam mór air an speur an diugh.
Origin: Sutherland, Embo
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cuidich: vb. ‘help’ VBL. N.: cuideachadh: cha b’ urra dhomh ’ ch. gun an ionnsachadh
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Mira Co., Marion Bridge
Category: Word List
cuidich: vb ‘help’: ipv.: ~ thusa mi ris an ùirne!; vbl nn: bha iad math gus iad fhèin a chuideachadh
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
cuigeal: shaped rather like a tether stake this piece of wood was placed in the wall. On this wool could be twisted to form an accumulation of wool. Could also be used for doubling or strengthening threads.
Location: South Uist, Bornish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cuigeal: in the sense of speeding. “Nach ann air a tha an cuigeal leis a’ chàr sin.”
Location: North Uist, Tigharry
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cuilean: [ku̟lɑ̃nʹ] Notes: puppy. (With -an ending “n” is usually palatalized.)
Origin: Tiree
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cuilean: used in an addressing term: Tha, a’ chuilein. – yes, friend? Mo chuilean gaolach. [NOTES: both on one slip. Definition: Puppy; also – a term of endearment.]
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris,Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cuilltaigh: the end of an old thatched house where animals were kept. [NOTES: note added above ‘cuill’ – cùl.]
Location: South Uist, South Boisdale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cuimhne: nn f. ‘memory, recollection’: cha tug mi ~ air riamh; leig mise às mo ch. e; bha beagan barrachd air, ach chaidh e às mo ch.; leig mi às mo ch. dealbh an eilein; le mo
ch.-sa
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
cuineal: [kũ̟nʹɑɫ] Quot.: Tha e an còmhnaidh a’ cuineal. Note: a’ gearain.
Origin: [Lewis], Arnol
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cuinnseachan: antics. “Dè na cuinnseachan a tha air an duine sin.” [NOTE: corrected to ‘cuinseachan’.]
Origin: [Note: From North Uist, information from Alex O’Henley / RÓM 4 Dec 2023]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cuip: [ku̜ıp] Quotation: an cuip. Notes: whip.
Origin: Islay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cuir: Quotation: Bha iad a cur cruinn air an t-iasg. Notes: casting lots, for sharing fish.
Location: Ross-shire, Achiltibuie, Alltan Dubh
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cuir: Quotation: Cuir thuige an lamp.
Location: Lewis, Barvas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cuir: Quotation: Cuir as an lampa or Cuir an lampa as.
Location: Lewis, Barvas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cuir: Quot.: “Feumaidh ise a bhi a’ cur an dubhan an aghaidh a’ chrabhcan.” Note: always going against what is said or suggested.
Origin: [Barvas]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cuir: Quotation: a’ cur an greim [ɡɾɤım]. Notes: installing, fixing (used when talking about putting batteries into the wireless).
Location: Skye, Harlosh
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cuir: vb. ‘put’: VBL. N.: bha iad a’ cur a-mach pàipearan ai’son daoine; car a’ cur [khur] sìos air -- feadhain a’ choreigin; cha robh thu ’ dol a chur ann am feirg mhòir idir air; ;
PAST: ch. [xur´] mi pìos ris an taigh-danns’ aca; COND.:: cha chuireadh e sian orm ceathramh a dhèanamh, cha chuireadh e dad sam bith orm sin a dhèanamh; chuireadh e air anteine
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
cuir: Quotation: Chuir e an dà shùil air. Notes: He stared in amazement.
Location: Lewis
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cuir: Quotation: An deidh dhaibh a bhi air an gartlan bha iad a cladhach eadar na sreathan agus a’ cur ris a’ bhuntàta. Notes: building up the earth on each side of the potato shaws.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cuir: Quotation: “Tha cuir na gaoth deas air an fhairge cheana.” Notes: even if the wind was coming from the north, one could predict that it was going to swing to the south if the swell was from that direction. [NOTES: slipped under ‘cur’.]
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cuir: vb ‘put’: past: ch. iad mun cuairt; ch. sinn às dha sa mhionaid; cond.: dhèanainn rud sam bith anns an ~inn mo làmh; vbl nn.: bha seo a’ cur air uamhasach;bha e ’ cur sìos air an
àite ‘denegrate’; bha e ‘ cur air nach d’fhuair e an tuagh a chur dhachaigh; cha toigh leamsa cur sìos air duine; chaidh an surgery work sin a chur ormsa aig naoi uairean a dh’ oidhche; tha
mi ‘ dol a chur a’ chinn dhiubh; chaidh an ceann a chur dhith
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
cuir: shoot (a met [sic] [net?]). An do chuir sibh, ’fheara? Iomair mu thuath agus cuir mu dheas (proverb): Row north and shoot south.
Origin: [Kintyre, Tarbert]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cuir: Quotation: A cuir an eòrna – sowing. A cuir na dòrnaig – putting the stone.
Origin: West Lewis [the location given on the slips]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cuir a stigh an t-each: Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
cuir an torr: Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
cuir an tripidh: tripping.
Origin: ([Canada], Inverness Co., [Lochaber]) or ([Canada], Inverness Co.) or ([Canada], Inverness Co.)
Category: Cur-seachadan: Dèideagan, Geamaichean is Farpaisean / Recreation: Toys, Games, Contests
cuir dhachaidh: harvesting term. “An do thòisich sibh air a chuir dhachaidh fhathast.”
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cuir fùdar oirre: I have heard this used by an old man once (Powder).
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Coltas an Duine / Personal Appearance
cuir-a steach (ans) an eilan (f): [sic] taking in to stackyard.
Location: [Arran? see the comment under 3]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
cuir-amach: Quotation: Tha cuir-amach ann. Notes: He is an entertaining talker.
Origin: Tiree
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cuir-an-toiseach ì: reverse engine ahead.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cuiraidean: tricks, wiles. “Nach uamhasach na cuiraidean a bh’aig an duine sin.”
Location: South Uist, Stoneybridge
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cuire: [ku̟ɾə] Quotation: an cuire. Notes: weft.
Location: Lewis, Barvas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cuirm: a feast. MacCodrum has ‘cuilm’. Dioscorides says that the ancestors of the Britons drank a strong liquor made of barley which they call ‘curmi’. So the word has come down to our time and whisky now so called is an ancient beverage.
Location: Killearnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cuirt an t-seasoin: Location: Arran, Pirnmill
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
Cuirt an t-Seission / an Séisean: Origin: [the questionnaire gives Ross-shire but it is most probably meant as the county not origin]
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
cul: Quotation: Thug mi cul an doruis dha. Notes: I put him out of the house.
Location: Lewis, Barvas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cul an doruis: passage between kitchen and the large room behind the main door.
Origin: Barra
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
cul-chumaig: put on the spot. Bha mi ann an cuil chumhaig [sic].
Location: South Uist, Bornish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cula sheachana: an undesirable person who you would not want in your company.
Location: South Uist, Lochcarnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
culaidh thruaighse: an object of pity.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
culaidh thruaighse: an object of pity.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
culaidh thrunghais: an object of pity.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
culaidh-bhùird: Notes: an object of pity.
Origin: Tiree
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
culaith-eagail: nn ‘wretched [animal, etc]’:: a’ ch. an seo
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
culm: [ku̜ɫu̜m] Quot.: Tha culm air an latha ’n diugh. Note: a haze.
Origin: [Lewis], Arnol
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
culm: Quotation: Tha [ku̜ɫəm] oirr’ an diugh. Notes: gloomy, overcast.
Location: Lewis, Barvas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cultair: [?] sgian a bhiodh a gearradh an sgrath.
Location: Na Hearadh [Harris], Finsbay
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
Cum fodha: Back water. Ma bhios a’ ghaoth air a gualainn, bidh an t-eathar ag iarraidh chun na gaoithe, is feumaidh buille nas làidire a bhith aig an fhear a bhios air ràmh an fhuairidh. So cuid de bhriathran sgiobair don dithis a tha iomradh: Cum agad i; Na leig thugad i; Ràmh a tha thall as fheàrr; Socair – bheil sibh a’ faicinn an lion a’ tighinn as mo dheidh; Buile mhath le cheile an nis; Cum bhuat i; Bheil sibh a’ faicinn gu bheil sibh a’ ruith air a dhruim, etc. Chan e obair thlachdmhor a bhith air na raimh agus sgiobair greannach a togail.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
cumail cagnadh ris: keeping up an argument or more accurately holding your own in a debate.
Location: South Uist, Daliburgh
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cumailtiche: [kũ̟mɑlʹtʹiçə] Note: an old person who is active and young-looking for his years.
Origin: Crowlista
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cuman: an oblong wooden box used for washing dishes and scrubbing potatoes. Could also be used for feeding calves.
Location: South Uist, South Boisdale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cumhachd: [kuʔəxk] Quotation: “a leigeil a thuigsinn an cumhachd a bh’aca.” Notes: power.
Location: Ross of Mull
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cumruigeach: [kũ̟məðıɡʹɑx] Quot.: “’S e aite cumruigeach a th’ann.” Note: an out-of-the-way place.
Location: Harris, Quidinish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cunnabhalach: working at a steady pace. “Obair chunnabhalachd [sic] fad an latha.”
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cunntair: [kũ̟n̪t̪ɑɾ] Quotation: an cunntair. Notes: reinforcing piece inside the shoe at the back.
Location: Islay, Port Wemyss
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cunntas: nn ‘account, report’: well, cha tug i droch chunntas air [= an t-sìde] am-màireach [FMMaclellan]
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
cur: n. ‘weft’: ris a sin a chanadh iad an ~ ’s an dlùth
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Mira Co., Marion Bridge
Category: Word List
cur: Tha cur an tsneachda [sic] trom. (Islay)
Origin: [Kintyre, Tarbert]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cur: Quotation: Cur a steach – income. Chuir e steach an each. – he put in … Dol a mach ’s a steach – … out … in …
Origin: West Lewis [the location given on the slips]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cur air an dornaig: putting the stone.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig
Category: Cur-seachadan: Dèideagan, Geamaichean is Farpaisean / Recreation: Toys, Games, Contests
cur air a’ chloich: the shot-putt. Ach chanadh sinne, an linn a b’òige, cuideachd, ‘buille air a’ chloich’. “Chuireadh Tormod a’ chlach ann an Dòmhnall Mór.” “Chuireadh Donnchadh Dubh a’ chlach a mach air Dòmhnall Mór.”
Origin: Leodhas [Lewis], Uig
Category: Cur-seachadan: Dèideagan, Geamaichean is Farpaisean / Recreation: Toys, Games, Contests
cur an eich do’n cairt: putting horse in cart.
Origin: Ross and Cromarty, Lewis
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
cur an t’ each an’ uidheam: [?] put the harness on the horse.
Origin: Ross and Cromarty, Lewis
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
cur an t’ each do’n cairt: put the horse in the cart.
Origin: Ross and Cromarty, Lewis
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
cur car an cabar: Origin: [in the card index: Islay, Ballygrant]
Category: Cur-seachadan: Dèideagan, Geamaichean is Farpaisean / Recreation: Toys, Games, Contests
cur charan dhe air an ùrlar: somersaulting.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Coltas an Duine / Personal Appearance
cur foidhe an eorna: manured, ploughed and sown same day for good results.
Origin: Ross and Cromarty, Lewis
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
cur is cathadh: nn ‘drifting snow’: an àm a' gheamhraidh 's an ~ 's an cathadh ann
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
cur mach an todhar: manuring of croft or field.
Origin: Ross and Cromarty, Lewis
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
cur suas an fheamainn: Origin: Ross and Cromarty, Lewis
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
Cur thuige lion-mór: Deanamh an lin.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
cura, an cura (E): Weft.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Obair na Clòimhe / Wool-Working
curach: frame of an animal.
Location: Skye
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
curachan: small boats. [Cf. cnarrag (-an).]
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
curaisteach: [ku̟ɾɑʃtʹɑx] Quot.: Nach bu tu an curaisteach! Note: applied to a daring person.
Origin: Carloway, Doune
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
curgagadh: two in an engagement to bond in romantic matters, towards marriage, etc.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
curpair: Chanainn gur h-ann dearg a bha am fear-sa. Chan eil fhios agam de a bhiodh aca. (Fuaimnich air an aon dòigh ri ‘purple’ (Beurla).)
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Obair na Clòimhe / Wool-Working
curra-thulchainn: [ku̜rəhu̜ɫuxĩnʹ] Note: the stick jutting up from the thatch at the end of a blackhouse (màs an tighe).
Origin: [Lewis], Arnol
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
currac: Quotation: “Bha currac gheal air an tarruing.” Notes: the ground swell curling up at the top and threatening to break.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Currac an Easbuig: Skull-cap, Zucchetto.
Location: South Uist, Daliburgh
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
curracag: Quotation: Bhiodh na curracagan ud a’ falbh le oiliskin fo an gàirdeanan uabhasach sean. Notes: used of old men. Not in Dw. in this transferred sense.
Location: Lewis
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
currachd: [ku̟rɑxk] Quotation: Is iomadh ceann théid an currachd mu’n tig an ath Nollaig. Notes: Many will pass away before next Christmas. [NOTES: slipped under ‘currac’.]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
currachda rìgh: the intestine which is characterised by its pleats. [NOTES: corrected to ‘currachd-an-rìgh’.]
Origin: Uibhist a Tuath [North Uist]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
currag-an-righ: dùis, muinne an am pàirt deth Leodhas.
Location: Na Hearadh, Gòbhaig [Harris, Gobhaig]
Category: Biadh is Deoch / Food and Drink
curs: adj. ‘unmannerly’: bha an gnothach a’ falbh cho ~ ri seo aca
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
cuspair: in the sense of an archer.
Location: Skye
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cuspar: Bha grunn bhràithrean air an aon fhearann. Thòisicheadh a’ briseadh sìos nan tacannan ’s a toirt seachad fearainn. Thuirt am bràthair bu sheana, leis an robh am fearann air an robh na bràithrean, “Tha sibh ceart gu leòir fhad’s a bhios mise beò ach as mo dhéidh-sa chan eil fhios dé a dh’fhaodas tachairt. Mar sin chomhairlichinn dhuibh sealltainn a mach air bhur son fhéin fhad’s a bhios an cothrom ann.” Thuirt bodach mu an nì a bha seo: “Ma thà, ’s ann a bha an duine glic ann Iain MacDhòmhnuill, an cuspar a thug e do an fheadhainn eile.”
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Cutadh: A’ toirt a’ mhionaich as gach sgadan le cutaig ach a’ fàgail an iuchair, no a’ mhealg is a’ bhloinig ann. Tha e an uair sin air a shailleadh is air a phacaigeadh ann am baraille.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
cuthag-cluaise: one having an informant or gossip; being informed with gossip by someone who is recognised or termed as ‘cuthag-cluaise’.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
càinealachadh an latha: daybreak.
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
càir: Quotation: “Tha càir-gheal air an oitir.” Notes: foam on the sea, caused by the spring tide going over the edge of the oitir (q.v.).
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
càirdeas: n. ‘relationship’: dh’innseadh e dhut cò bha càirdeil ’s dè an ~ a bha eadar-riuth’, gu robh iad càirdeil d’ a leithid seo do dhuine
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
càirdeil: adj. ‘related’: dh’innseadh e dhut cò bha ~ ’s dè an a bha eadar-riuth’, gu robh iad ~ d’ a leithid seo do dhuine
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
càirnein: empty-headed, or empty skull. Càirnein Dhòmhnaill, bhuail an còmhradh air càirnein Dhòmhnaill – on his empty skull, showing no effect. Old term.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
càise an Rodain: toadstool, more common than ‘balg buachair’.
Origin: Barra
Category: Crodh / Cattle
càra: [kɑ:ɾə] Quot.: “Bu chàra dhuit fuireach a stigh ’s an oidhche cho fuar.” Note: “It would be better for you…”
Origin: [Ness]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
càradh (E): Air a chàradh. Bha a h-uile nì deiseil an uair sin a thaobh a’ chuirp gu’n deadh a chur do an chiste – tha e air a chàradh. Air a chàradh a mach air bord cruaidh, làidir a bha air a ghleidheadh airson an aobhair. (Am bòrd mar còmhla chaol.)
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Bàs is Adhlacadh / Death and Burial
càradh an fhoid: Tha cuid ann a tha cho ealanta air tilgeil is gun cuir iad gach fàd air a shliomas ri oir fir eile fada muigh air an sgaoilteach, mar bun a’ ghàrraidh. Tha cuid de phuill ann as an tig tri fòid is caoran, is gus nach bi a’ mhoine air muin a cheile air an sgaoilteach cha bhi an cargur ga thoirt cho leathann.
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
càraid an tairsgeir: Mar as tric ’se fear is te a bhios mu’n tairsgeir. Bheir iad greis mu seach a’ gearradh ’s a’ tilgeil.
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
càran: Quotation: Tha sinach an càran [əŋɡ̊ɑɑrʹɑ̈ṉ]. Notes: the gum. [NOTES: slipped under ‘càirean’.]
Location: Ross of Mull
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
càrdadh: Quotation: An ann a dol a dh’ionnsachadh càrdadh do’d sheanamhair? Notes: telling me something I know already.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
càrn chlach: Quotation: le càrn [kɑ̟:rn̪] air a’ slaodadh as deidh each. Notes: horse sledge, 3'-4' broad, with an attachment in the front.
Location: Mull
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
càrn-slaod: Notes: horse-drawn sledge with a box like an ordinary cart.
Location: Ross-shire, Gairloch
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
càrnadh: heaping. A’ càrnadh dha fhéin, airgead agus òr. – ‘safing [sic] [saving?] up’. Càrnain air an t-shlighe [sic] – cairns on the way. A brief note: at one time in Harris when a burial was to take place in the churchyard of Luskentyre, the burial party used to build cairns (‘càrnain’) while resting with the coffined remains, denoting ‘càrnain air an t-slighe’.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
càrnaich: of cairns, loose stones, stones on ground cairn-fashion, an area associated with stones, as: Seonaidh na càrnaich (Harris).
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
càrnan (E): Seo e: [see illustration]. Cha chan sinn ‘càrn’ uair sam bith ris an fhear-sa. Càrnan. Is ann a tha ‘càrn’ againne air cnap de chlachan móra ’s mar sin ann an aodann cnuic no aig bonn leothaid, ’s mar sin. Is gann cnoc ’san àite againne gun càrnan ’n a mhullach. Na beanntan faisg air an rud [?].

Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Cruth na Tìre / Landscape Features
cèibhear: Quotation: Bha ’n cèibhear air an duine an raoir. Notes: drunken state of a person.
Location: Canada, Christmas Island
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
céir crùbaig: The edible red or yellow wax inside the crab. ’S e ceir dhearg as fheàrr is nuair a bhios i lan dheth tha an t-slige aice dealrach ruadh. Bidh a’ chéir so ’na bhiadhadh aca air a’ chreagach le slait is le tigh-thabhaidh.
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness, Lionel
Category: Maorach / Shellfish
cìoban: [cı:bɑṉ] Note: goile a’ ghuga agus bloinig a’ ghuga na broinn. Bhiodh iad nan crochadh anns an tigh agus nan toirt dha na caoraich as a’ gheamhradh airson mathachadh.
Origin: Ness
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cìoch an roth: wooden hub.
Origin: Tiree
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
cìoch an roth, cìochan na roi: [sic] [pl] hub.
Origin: Tiree
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
cìop: turfs which were taken home and used for keeping the fire alive during the night. This was called – “a’ smàladh an teine”. [NOTES: corrected to ‘cìp’.]
Origin: Uibhist a Tuath [North Uist]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cìosanaich: [cı:sɑṉiç] Quot.: “Bha an gamhainn uamhasach duilich a chìosanachadh.” Note: “The heifer was terribly difficult to bring under control, to tame.”
Origin: [Caversta]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cìr: Chanadh na bodaich mu eathar gu robh i na bu bhonnacharaiche na an tè eile, gu robh barrachd ‘cìr’ oirre. Eathar gun chìr oirre: [see illustration]. Eathar le cìr: [see illustration].

Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cìr: Quotation: an cìr [ənɡʹiiɾʹ]. Notes: the cud.
Location: Ross of Mull
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cìrean: Quot.: “cìrean an droma”. Note: the backbone ridge.
Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cò: interr. pron. ‘who, what?’: fear a thàinig às na States' 'm bith cò àite; ~ an srainnseir a thigeadh
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
Còbh: nn : ~ Uisge an Eathar 'Canso Causeway ' [kho:v 'uʃk´ə ə 'n´ɛ-ər]
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
còbhla/còmhla bhigeinnean: once the birds had strayed into a certain area a rope was pulled which brought an old door or something similar crashing down on top of these birds.
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
còir: Quot.: “Cho còir ris an fhaoileig.” (Put also under faoileag).
Origin: [Caversta]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
còir: Mu ainmhidh a bhios solt agus coibhneil mar gu’n canadh sibh mu chat: “Tha e cho còir.” Tha e cho solt, ’s cho déidheil air a bhith ’ga shlìobadh ’s mar sin. Cha tionndaidh e oirbh, ach fada, fada an aghaidh sin. Tha e cho còir.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
còir: n. ‘right’: ghabh na Sasannaich an long, ghabh iad ~ air a seo, bha ~ aca cuideachd
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Mira Co., Marion Bridge
Category: Word List
còmhal: transport. “Bha sinn a’ falbh air an aon chòmhal a’ dol dhan sgoil.”
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
còmhla: a door not yet in position (usually). Gabh an taobh is boidche de’n chomhlaidh. – Get out.
Origin: Barra
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
còmhla ri/le: prep. ‘along with’: dh’òrdaich e e fhèin a bhith ~ rithe __ an àite -- an gille ‘ bhith ~ leatha [FMM]
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
còmhnard: adj . ‘flat’: [k h ɔ͂:nəɽʂ]; tha an ~ a’ fàs leathann [FMM]
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
còmh’ [for còmhla] ri: prep. ‘along with’: an robh sibh ag obair air an fheur ~ le Seumas?;
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
còp: Quotation: Bha iad a’ cur tuilleadh uisge blàth agus siabunn air gus an còpadh an clò.
Origin: North Uist
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
còrcaich: an snàth.
Origin: Geàrrloch (Loch Iubh) [Gairloch (Loch Ewe)]
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
còrlaigeadh: [kɔ:ʴlıɡʹəɣ] Quot.: Thoir còrlaigeadh as. Note: a piece cut out of material when making an article of clothing in order to shape it. [NOTES: the turned r used for the symbol which is unclear in the original.]
Origin: [Barvas]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
còrn: roll (of tweed). ‘Na chuir thu an clò air chòrn?’ ‘Did you roll the tweed?’
Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
còrn (E): Final web of cloth when woven. Gu h-àraidh nuair a bhiodh a h-uile càil deseil: an clò air a luadh ’s air a thiormachadh, ’s mar sin.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Obair na Clòimhe / Wool-Working
còrr: Quotation: “Na bha chòrr air an dìthead.” – What was left over from dinner. “Cha ghabhadh e’n còrr.” – He would not accept any more. “Cha robh ’n còrr aig’ air.” – He had no more sense. “Agus c’ait an robh ’n còrr?” – Where were the others? “Bi biadh air a bhòrd as còrr mu choinneamh gach tràth.” – plenty.
Origin: West Lewis [the location given on the slips]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
còsalach: An siol anns a’ chosalaich [sic] – the seed in the material which could be attributed to the flower, dandelion as one version.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
còta: Quotation: Ma fhreagras an còta, cosd e.
Origin: North Uist
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
còta-cutaidh: an oilskin coat used by women gutters, at the herring gutting.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
còtan: n. ‘cotton’: bhiodh aca aig an àm sin ri ~ a fhaighinn cuideachd ’s bha ’n ~ air am fighe a-miosg a chèile
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Mira Co., Marion Bridge
Category: Word List
còthail: hardly existing, ‘pattern’ of frailty. Cha’n ’eil càil ann ach an còthail – being so frail as hardly existing. [NOTES: slipped under ‘còthail (comhdhail?)’. Quotation: Chan eil càil ann ach an còthail. Definition: Used of a very frail person.]
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cù: Quotation: an cù. Notes: dogfish sometimes referred to as “an cù”.
Location: Skye, Kilmuir
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cù: Quotation: an cù agus an gala. Notes: fox and vixen.
Location: Ross-shire, Dornie, Morvich
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cù leth choilair: when half the dog’s collar is white. Supposed to be an indication of a good working dog.
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cù-fuadaich: Cha deanadh an cù-fuadaich càil ach am fuadach fhéin. Chan eil cù-fuadaich aca againne an àite sam bith an diugh cho fada ’s is aithne dhomh. [NOTES: slip not found.]
Origin: Leòdhas, [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Stuigeadh Coin / Encouraging a Dog
cùidhteag(an): [kuijɑ̟ɡ̊] 77 [Whiting].
Location: Mull [see below for details]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cùil: nn ‘back’: a chur a-staigh ann an ~
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
cùilearachd: Quotation: Dé a’ cùilearachd a th’ort an sin? Notes: snooping around.
Location: Lewis, Barvas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cùl: Quot.: cùl an teine. Note: area between the fire in the middle of the floor and the door.
Origin: [Barvas]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cùl: Quot.: “Chaneil móran cùl as an duin’ ud.” Note: There isn’t much reserve in him, e.g. going to tackle anything. No stamina.
Origin: [Barvas]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cùl: Quotation: an cùl. Notes: strip at the back of a shoe.
Origin: North Uist
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cùl: Quotation: cùl an tallainn. Notes: the “lobby” in the thatched house.
Location: Skye, Kilmuir
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cùl: Quot.: “cùl an tallan [sic]”. Note: on the animals’ side of the partition or dividing wall in a blackhouse.
Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cùl: Quotation: Cùl an doruis – the outside. Air béul-thaobh an doruis – on the outside of the door. Air taobh muigh an doruis – on the outside … Aig an dorus – at the outside.
Origin: West Lewis [the location given on the slips]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cùl an tallain: (behind the partition) The area into which one entered by the front door – the equivalent of the hall in the more modern houses.
Origin: Eileanaich [natives of Lewis]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
cùl an teine: the side of the hearth nearest the threshold or door.
Location: [Lewis], Siabost
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
cùl-acdhainn: [sic] ceangailt mun an stiall. Tied around the headpost, to which again was tied smeathag, which was tied around the cow’s neck by cnac (toggle) and drula (loop).
Location: Lewis, Arnol
Category: Crodh / Cattle
cùl-cinn: a boundary by a croft with an unauthorative [sic] claimant or possessor.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Cùlaisd: Cha robh. Ach ann an cuid de dh’àiteachan ’s an eilean canaidh iad ‘cùlaisd’ airson ‘uachdar-an-tighe’ againne.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
cùlaisd: ceann shuas tigh tubhaidh, pairt shuas an tighe etc.
Location: Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cùlaist: The earliest of the Skye “black” houses had a ‘cùlaist’, or ‘cùl-taighe’, as it was sometimes called. This room was situated beyond ‘bràighe-an-taighe’ [q.v.], next to the gable, and was so narrow that it could only have been used as a store room. I have seen several of these ruins which were so ancient that they were overgrown with turf, yet the dimensions of the ‘cùlaist’ and other rooms were perfectly clear. In my boyhood days only the older people, the 80-90 group were familiar with ‘cùl-taighe’, or ‘cùlaist’.

Origin: Skye
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
cùlan: Na h-uibhir dubh de an chlòimh ann an cùl a’ chinn aig caora, có dhiu air mullach na h-amhach aig cùl a’ chinn. Tha cùlan innte. A’ chaora chùlanach. [Cf. tòn-dubh]
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
cùm: vb ‘keep’:vbl nn.: ged a bhiodh tu ‘ cumail teine; bha e ‘ cumail sgoileadh; an creideamh a chumail suas [DAG]
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
cùm cainneal ri: Quotation: Cha chumadh an Sàtan a chainneal ris an fhear as òige de chloinn Neilly.
Location: Lewis
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cùntan: (cùnant) n. ‘covenant’: bha na ~an air a dhèana’
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
cùpa an strainnsair: literally the stranger’s cup. Teapot instead of containing 3 cups for a family of 3 would instead contain 4 cups.
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cùpa tì na’d laimh: having tea without sitting at a table, e.g. “An gabh thu tì na’d laimh.”
Location: South Uist, Iochdar
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cùrachan: an infant.
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
cùta snadh: prior to balls of wool, wool was measured to the equivalent of an ounce – ‘cùta’. The strands of wool were then made into woollen balls by a process called ‘tachrais’. [NOTES: ‘snadh’ corrected to ‘snàth’.]
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
d faoin: [uine] an easily led man.
Location: Na Hearadh [Harris], Cluer
Category: Nàdur an Duine / Personality
d ladurna: [uine] an arrogant, forthright man.
Location: Harris, Borisdale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
d slac: [uine] an easily led man.
Location: Na Hearadh [Harris], Cluer
Category: Nàdur an Duine / Personality
dafach: Quotation: an dafach. Notes: mash tin (distillery). [NOTES: slipped under ‘dabhach’.]
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Dafuns: Sreangan caola eadar a’ gheibhil is an rib le àrca air a chula dàrna dafun. An diugh tha lin ann leis an àrca air a leigeil ris an rib is cha bhi feum air dafuns.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
dagafors: [?] dagger force; (corruption?) Cha chuireadh an daga fors [?] ás dha. (Scalpay) [NOTES: See also ‘dachdafors’ below.]
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
daifin: this sounded like an English word – ‘daffins’. The short lengths of thick twine fixing the body of the net to the rope framework.
Origin: Eileanaich [natives of Lewis]
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
dais: mar chruaich ach air feur agus air cumadh. Cruach agus dais air an gleidheadh le sioman agus clachan acraich.
Origin: [Barra]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
daithead: “An d’fhuair sibh iasg?” “Fhuair sinn daithead.” – Na dheanadh a’ chuis airson aon uair. Na dheanadh cosg-an-tràth.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dala: adj. ‘one of two’: dh’fhalbh an ~ leth dheth; air an ~ taobh dhìot an àite a’ choreigin; tharraing e na h-eich an ~ taobh
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
dala: ord. num. ‘second, other’: an ~ fear a’ cur a’ choire air an fhear eile gur e droch dhriver a bha ann;: an ~ party __ an tè eile; nach robh an dala taobh a’ dèanamh ‘
rud
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
daladh-nan-dallaidhean: blindness of blindnesses, the extreme form of stupidity. Harris expression. Nach ann air a thàinig an dalladh, more than that, dalladh nan dallaidhean!
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dall: Quot.: Tha e air a dhalladh leis an deoch.
Origin: [Barvas]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dall-an-àth: Quotation: “A’ falbh ’nad dhall-an-àth.” Notes: “Blind man’s bluff” is the meaning of the phrase. But in the above idiom, the meaning is “going about as one in a dose/blinded”.
Location: Tiree, [Caolas? – one slip]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dallan-allaidh: spider. Obair an d-a – spider’s web.
Location: Inverness
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
damh: [d̪[ɑ̃ũ̜]] Notes: an ox.
Location: Sutherland, Embo
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
damh: an ox.
Origin: [Arran]
Category: Crodh / Cattle
damhan allach: nn ‘cobwebs’: [tæ͂u̯an ɛʁ̫əx]
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
dannarran (E): Duine a dheadh an airde [?] gu buaireadh ’s droch nàdur ’s mar sin gu math aithghearr. ’S a bhiodh mar sin an còmhnuidh. [SLIP: A man with an annoyingly bad temper.]
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Nàdur an Duine / Personality
dannsa: Quotation: Chì mi, chì mi fada bhuam / Fichead mile thar a’ chuain / Fear gun fhuil, gun fheòil, gun anail, / Dannsadh air an talamh chruaidh. Notes: Clachan-meallain. Source: M. MacPherson, Breakish, Skye. Date: 07/1974.
Location: [see below]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dannsa-a’-mhuileir: millers [sic] dance. I have heard the question asked ‘An dean thu dannsa mhuileir?’ whatever this referred to. I have heard the question asked in days past. Whatever was meant by this dance? (Harris)
Location: [Harris], Scalpaigh [Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
daogh: boireann or firenn. Thear sinne n Ile ‘daogh’ air son ‘laogh’, ‘doch’ ri ‘loch’, ‘dha’ ri ‘la’. Tha sinn gu tric a cur a ‘d’ an n aite an ‘l’.
Origin: [Islay, Ballygrant]
Category: Crodh / Cattle
daolag tràghad: Common sandhopper. Cha thuig mi carson is e ‘sandhopper’ a’ Bheurla a tha air an daolag tràghad, oir cha leum iad is chan ann tric a gheibhear an gainmhich iad. Tog clach, is chi thu iad a’ ruith na’n dusain, mu chairteal an oirlich a dh’fhad is coltach ri ‘shrimps’.
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness, Lionel
Category: Maorach / Shellfish
daolan-carghuis: larger than the usual beetle and had wings, which were speckled. Only seen at the later [?] season. If killed its insides had an obnoxious smell. [NOTES: ‘carghuis’ corrected to ‘carghais’.]
Location: South Uist, Kildonan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
daorach: “nach ann air a tha an daorach” – someone very drunk, “air an daoraich”.
Location: Na Hearadh [Harris], Horgabost
Category: Coltas an Duine / Personal Appearance
daorach (I): Mu dheoch ’s mar sin. “Tha e ’ga dhalladh leis an daoraich.” Agus “Tha e ’ga dhalladh” fhein (gun ‘leis an daoraich’ idir). “Domhnull Thormoid ’s e ’ga dhalladh.” (Dòmhnull Thormoid leis an daoraich.) “Bha e ’ga sheann dalladh.”
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Nàdur an Duine / Personality
daoran: Quotation: “’S e beathach math a tha an sin agad.” “Och, tha daoran dheth ann.” Notes: DR heard an old woman say this in reply to someone who was complimenting her on a young beast which she had bought. She thought she had paid too much for it.
Location: Skye, Sleat, Calligary
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
darcan (-ain): an acorn.
Origin: Baleshare
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
darchan (m): an acorn; from darach or from darc, dorc, durc, a cone.
Origin: [Strathglass]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
darus-an-tallain: [sic] Note: the door inside the main door [sic] of the blackhouse, leading to the living room.
Location: [Lewis], S. Lochs, Lemreway
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dath sealastair: Chanainn gur h-e dath uaine a bhiodh an seo. “Briogais dath sealastair, dath rinn mo mhàthair, ’S cha robh na bheireadh bàrr oirr’ an Leòdhas.” Chan eil fhios agam ann an as an t-seileastar a tha iad a’ toirt an t-sealastair.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Obair na Clòimhe / Wool-Working
dath-an-aoig: death pale.
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
deacaid: n. ‘jacket’: ’s e an clò sin a dhèanadh an triùsar ’s an ~ dhut
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
deachainneachd: modestly, kindly, e.g. “Dhiult mi le deachainneachd an oifis sin a ghabhail.”
Location: South Uist, Milton
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
deadh fhear ceilidh: an entertaining fellow.
Category: Nàdur an Duine / Personality
dealachadh: Quot.: Aig dealachadh an dà ràith. Note: usually marked by thunder and lightning.
Origin: [Barvas]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dealachadh: Quotation: aig dealachadh an dà rathaid. Notes: fork.
Location: Skye?, Braes, Baile Meadhonach
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dealag: Quotation: ’S math an dealag a chlach gu ruigear i. Notes: anvil. Used also metaphorically of a person, who is helpful only within limits.
Origin: West Lewis [the location given on the slips]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dealan: Quotation: a’ cuir dealan air an dorus. Notes: bar put across the outside door of a house and tied to the handle of the door with a piece of rope. Often done by boys as a prank.
Origin: Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dealanach: nn f. ‘lightning’: an ~, teine-adhair, their iad; bha i air e ‘ èillteachadh bhon~ ; teine-adhair: an~,~, their iad; shoillsicheadh an ~ air an druim aige; ò, tha ‘n ~ a’ ruith nan
cat
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
dealanaich: Quot.: an dealanaich-meurach. Note: forked lightning.
Origin: Ness
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dealanaich: Quot.: an dealanaich-lasrach. Note: sheet lightning.
Origin: Ness
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dealbh: Notes: a photo or picture. Also applied to the weaver’s work: “Dhealbh e an clódh.”
Origin: West Lewis [the location given on the slips]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dealgan: (pronounced in three syllables: Dya'-la-gan.) [black ink] Cuigeal agus dealgan: deanamh snàth bho thùs, gus an tainig a chu[idheall?] sniomh.
Location: [Lewis], Arnol, Bragar and Uigen
Category: Obair na Clòimhe / Wool-Working
dealgan (I) agus (E): Spindle. Mu dhealgan chanadh sinn: “’Se dealgan math tha seo.” “Chan eil i cho math ris an t’éile a bh’agam.”
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Obair na Clòimhe / Wool-Working
deamhan: nn ‘devil’ : ‘s e ~ do dhuine ‘ th’ ann; cha dèanadh spionnadh duine an ~ a chur air falbh idir
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
deamhan-ruagair: an exorcist.
Origin: [Strathglass]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dean: plump of rain. “Nach i rinn an dean uisge.” [NOTES: corrected to ‘deann’.]
Origin: [Note: From North Uist, information from Alex O’Henley / RÓM 4 Dec 2023]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
deanamh na cruaiche: Nuair a thig a’ mhoine chun na dachaidh theid cruach mhór steidhidh a dheanamh, le na fadan mullaich air an càradh ann an dòigh is gun tilg iad dhuibh an t-uisge. Bidh cuideachadh bho nàbunnan an so mar an ceudna, agus is e aobhar nàire a bhios ann ma thig làraidh lan ’s gun sibh ullamh do’n te a thainig rhoimpe.
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
Deanamh na snòtaichean gaoisde: ’Se muigh no earball eich a bha so – dubh no geal. Chan fhaca mi a riamh gaoisde ruadh. Tha mu shia gu ochd de ghaisneannan gaoisde agus mu ochd oirlich de fhad a’ dol gu snòta. Tha thu a’ cur snaim ‘half-hitch’ agus a’ deanamh da leth air fad air an aireamh de ghaisneannan so – tri no ceithir air gach taobh. Tha an t-snòta an nis ga toinneamh le do bhois air do ghlùin, agus gus a fàs craiceann do ghlùin cleachte ris an obair so tha thu a’ cur cràiteachan de luathaidh as an teine oirre an drasda ’sa rithist, ach am beagan uine cha leig sibh a leas so oir theid a’ ghlùin mar crodhan. ’S mise fear a bha thall ’sa dh’fhairich. Tha thu a’ dùnadh gach snota le ‘half-hitch’; a’ ceangal snota dhubh is snota gheal r’a cheile, agus an sin ris a’ chalp. Tha thu a’ reileadh dubhan aig ceann gach snota is tha an lion beag a nis air a chur thuige.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
deantach: an agent.
Location: Barra, Northbay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dearbhallach: Cha chuir mise Beurla air an te so. Tha i na’s motha na coilleag [q.v.] ach chan e an aon cumadh a tha oirre. ’S ann aig Ràinis a bhithinn ga faighinn, is bha muinntir Ràinis uamhasach déidheil orra. ’S e bodach as Ràinis a thug dhomh, ‘Dearbhallach amh le aran corc, Cumaidh giulan latha dol’.
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness, Lionel
Category: Maorach / Shellfish
dearc: Quotation: an dearc luachrach. Notes: lizard.
Origin: Port Wemyss
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dearc: nn ‘berry’: pl.: ‘s e na ~an gorm a theireadh iad leis na blueberries
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
dearg: [dʹɛɾɑɡ] Quot.: “Cha dearg càil air an duine sin.” Note: Nothing will make an impression on that man.
Origin: [Barvas]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dearg: Quotation: an uisge dearg. Notes: redwater in cattle. Caused by the “cartain” which carried it.
Origin: Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dearg air an aghaidh: fresh-complexioned.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Coltas an Duine / Personal Appearance
dearg stoirm: an unusual storm force. [NOTES: slipped under ‘dearg’ with ‘dearg-stoirm’ as the quotation. Definition: Storm of unusual force.]
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
deargadh: general term for an earmark.
Location: South Uist, South Glendale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dearmad: Quotation: “Far an tig dàil, thig dearmad.” Notes: Where there’s delay, there’s forgetfulness.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dearsach: associated was [sic] [with?] vast quantities of rain. “Bha an dìle ’s an dearsach ann.”
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
deasach: [dʹɛ̜səx] bake. Bheil an deasach deas? [SLIP: Baking.]
Origin: Kill-Fhinn
Category: Crodh / Cattle
deasgainn: Notes: the part of an animal’s stomach “shaped like the map of S. America”.
Origin: North Uist
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
deich: Quotation: deich an t-aon. Notes: ten each.
Location: Tiree, Heylipool [sic]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
deidh: Quotation: An deidh sin ’s na dheidh … Notes: Even so …
Location: Lewis, Barvas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
deifir: [dʹʒefəɾ] Quotation: Nach ann ort a tha an deifir. Notes: What a hurry you are in.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
deil: [dʹʒel] Quotation: an deil. Notes: cart axle.
Origin: Glenurquhart
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
deirbhlean: an orphan.
Location: Skye
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
deireadh: Quotation: an deireadh. Notes: the board at the back of the cart.
Origin: Islay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
deireadh: Quotation: an deireadh leathann [lʹɛʔən̪]. Notes: transom in a boat.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
deireadh: Quotation: deireadh an t-sìl. Notes: very poor seed which rose to the top when using the criathar. Lifted off with the hands.
Location: Skye, Staffin
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
deireadh-bhuana: n. ‘harvest thanksgiving service’: rud ris an canadh iad ~; bhiodh an ~ air a cumail mar a bha -- è ‘celebration’, ’ toir’ taing don Nì Math
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Mira Co., Marion Bridge
Category: Word List
deisimir (m): an example, a curiosity, a quotation.
Origin: [Strathglass]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
deisneag: The swimming crab, or fiddler crab. Inedible. Gheibh thu deisneag, cha mhór, ann an sgor air gach cladach ach ’s ann an comhnuidh ’na h-aonar, mar gum biodh iad a’ dleasadh ‘territorial rights’.
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness, Lionel
Category: Maorach / Shellfish
deoch: Quotation: Tha ’n deoch air. Tha e leis an deoch. Notes: He is drunk.
Location: Lewis, Barvas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
deugbhail bàis: on deathbed. [NOTES: note added above ‘d’ in ‘deugbhail’ – an t-.]
Location: South Uist, Iochdar, Baile Gharbhaidh [Balgarva]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
deàrnag-muire: Notes: ‘bonnach le grùthan ga phruich ris an teine’.
Location: Lewis, Point
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
deàrrsa: [dʹɑ:ʴsə] Quotation: Bheir mi na deàrrsan air an tòin agad. Notes: warning a child that he was going to be spanked. [NOTES: the turned r used for the symbol which is unclear in the original.]
Location: Lewis, Barvas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
deàrrsach (f): Quotation: Tha ’n deàrrsach ann an dràsda. (uisge) Notes: very heavy rain.
Location: Harris, Ardhasaig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
deò: Quotation: “Chan eil deò anns an teine.” – life. “Chan eil deò gaoithe ann an diugh.” – breath.
Origin: West Lewis [the location given on the slips]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
deòthalgan: sucker, as an insect sucking from a plant, it could be adapted to anything prone to sucking. From ‘deothal’.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dheth: Quotation: Tha e dona dheth. – He is in poor circumstances. Thug iad dheth an còta. – They unfrocked (deposed) him. Chuir e’n còta dheth. – He put off his coat. If … so and so … “Bithidh tu dheth gu siorruidh.” – You will be ruined forever. (Phrase attributed to Dr Kennedy of Dingwall.)
Origin: West Lewis [the location given on the slips]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Dhruidh an t-uisge orm.: [NOTES: ‘Dhruidh’ corrected to ‘Dhrùidh’.]
Category: Sìde / Weather
dhà-no-trì: nn [< card. num.] ‘a few’ : fear aig an robh ~ do choin bheag’ ann
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
dh’fhoghain: the cause of. “Dh’fhoghain an deoch dha shlàinte.”
Location: South Uist, Lochcarnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dh’oladh e léine: he would drink his shirt, literally; a person of an excess drinking habit, alcoholic habits of drinking (Harris expression).
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Di-ardaoin: B’e seo an latha a b’fhearr airson toiseachadh air rud sam bith. This seems to contrast [sic] what is said about Tuesday, which is what I myself understood to be the best day to start something.
Location: South Uist, Lochcarnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Di-Domhnuich: Latha air son fois ach bhiodh deagh rath an cois d’aodann a nighe ann a struthan.
Location: South Uist, Lochcarnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Di-haoine: Cha bu chor toiseachadh air rud sam bith. Bhitheadh droch rath an cois buain neo gearradh agus cha bu chor dad a cheannach.
Location: South Uist, Lochcarnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Dia: n. ‘God’: tha mi ’n dòchas ann an ~ gun toir ~ dhut slàinte
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
Dia: nn ‘God’: gen.:‘s e an fhìrinne Dhia ‘ tha seo; bhiodh na comharsanaich, cha robh fhios aca ach ~ nan Gràsan dè bha ceàrr air an cuid cruidh fhèin; càit an ainm a [sic] Dhia an do
chuala thusa sin? [DAG]; ar son ~ nan Gràst! [DAG]; och, air son ~, tha iad __ beathaichean cunnartach ‘ th’ ionnta; òch, airson ~ ! rinn e do dh’òrain!; à, Dhia nan diabhal! fàsaidh e sin,
co-dhiù
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
Dia: An Tì tha Riaghladh.
Origin: [the questionnaire gives Ross-shire but it is most probably meant as the county not origin]
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
Diabhal: nn ‘[the] Devil’cha robh fhios acasan fon D. gu dè an duine a bha ann; ciamar an D. a gheibh Saint Anthony e?; dè an D a rinn e?: gen. thuirt e …
nach deachaigh nighean an Diabhail dhen Titanic a chur dhan ghrunnd
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
diamant: nn ‘diamond’: ged a bheireadh an doctor a dh. [jiəman̪t]
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
dian-ròstadh: Quotation: Bithidh iad a’ cainnt air teas ach ’s e a bha sud an dian-ròstadh.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Diar-daoin: Là an Trasgaidh. (‘Trosgadh’ a chanas sinne.)
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
Diardaoin Deasdhàil: informant thinks this was an older Gaelic name given to Ascension Thursday.
Location: South Uist, South Lochboisdale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dias: [fem.] as well as meaning an ear of corn, this also meant a fleck of barley chaff. Most irritating to the skin if a ‘dias’ adhered to one’s clothing. ‘Tha dias air mo dhruim’ could be awful. ‘Tha dias ’nam amhaich’ – worse!
Origin: Eileanaich [natives of Lewis]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
dias: a love. “Be tu an dias.”
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dias: Quotation: Dias againn eòrna! Notes: an exclamation avoiding taking the name of the Lord in vain.
Location: Skye, Strath
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dibh: Notes: confined to strong drink, e.g. “An deigh na dibh-làidir a dhòl iad.” Never heard the word applied to ordinary drink.
Origin: West Lewis [the location given on the slips]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
difir: Quotation: Chuireadh iad difir air a bhith a treothadh le crann is paidhir làmh ris na cruinn ’s na tractors a th’ac an diugh.
Location: Coll, Ben Meadhonach
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dighe(?)-thollaidh: n. [̩̩ʧi ˈhœɫi] ‘drill(?)’ [1st el. unrecognised]: bha ~ aca ris an canadh iad ~. Chuireadh e toll sìos sin ann ammionaid
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
dinn: Quotation: Bha e a’ dinneadh an amhaich aige. Notes: press.
Location: Ross-shire, Achiltibuie, Alltan Dubh
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
diocla: an exceptional [sic] heavy downfall of rain.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
diol: Quotation: Is olc an diol a rinneadh air. – treatment. “Fhuair e an diol-thuaireasdeal…” – perfect payment.
Origin: West Lewis [the location given on the slips]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
diongalta: referring to something that had been well completed. “Bha an obair diongalta.”
Location: South Uist, Lochcarnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
diorra-bhig: Quotation: Cha chuala mi diorra-bhig aige bho dh’fhalbh sibh. Notes: an utterance.
Location: Lewis, Barvas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
diosdadh: Quotation: Gheibh iad an diosdadh. Notes: “They’ll be ruthlessly rejected.”
Location: Lewis, Borve
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
diosganach: Notes: well-to-do alcoholic sent to an out-of-the-way place.
Origin: Skye
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dith-sheothaich: a weed with green stem and a white head. Would bloat an animal’s stomach if eaten.
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dithean-buidhe: [sic] yellow flowers, buttercups, marsh marigolds, etc. collectively: all of yellow colour, blossoming yellow. Tha e làn leis an dìthean bhuidhe.
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
diubhar: nn ‘difference’: [t´uu̯ər] [ADM], [t´ɛu̯ər] [FMM]; chaidh e ionnam cho mòr sin nach robh e gu ~ leam; chan eil e gu ~ cò an srainnseirtha ~ [ʧefər] sa Ghàidhlig; tha ~ anns a'
ghobhlachan; tha beagan do dh. anns an dòigh a their iad e (?) [MAE]
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
diurraid: note, word, sound. An cual’ thu ’n duine? Cha chuala mi durraid [sic] neo Cha chuala mi diurraid a thuirt e.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dlòth: Quotation: air a dhlòth. Notes: e.g. grain laid in an orderly swathe after the mower.
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Antigonish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dlùth, an dlùth (E): Warp.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Obair na Clòimhe / Wool-Working
dlùthadh: Quotation: an dlùthadh. Notes: the “stacking”. Taking the harvest home and stacking it in the yard.
Origin: North Uist
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
do: prep. ‘to’ REL.: sin an eaglais dha robh sinn a’ dol
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Mira Co., Marion Bridge
Category: Word List
dobailearachd: [ḏɔbəlɑðɑxk] Quot.: Dé an dobailearachd a th’ort a sin? Note: same as “eileabanachd” – mischief-making. (Callanish word.)
Origin: Carloway, Doune
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dobhran: another word for an otter.
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
doigheil: [d̪ɔ:ıɑl] Quot.: “duine doigheil”. Note: an easy-going person.
Origin: [Barvas]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
doille: [d̪ɤlʹə] Quot.: an doille. Note: blindness in sheep, “sgleò a’ tighinn air na sùilean aca”.
Origin: [Lewis], Arnol
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
doille, an doille: Air na caoirich mhóra a bhiodh seo a’ tighinn. Chan fhaca mi riamh air uan e. Bhiodh iad a’ pronnadh cailc agus ’ga chur fo na sùilean aca. Ri tìde dheadh iad am feabhas.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
doimhinn: adj. ‘deep’: gus an tig faclan gàbhaidh ~ ann an Gàidhlig
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
doimhneachan: deeps. Chaidh e ann an doimheachan mora. – as an orator trying to solve a particular subject to an almost confused, if not confused, point…
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
doire: Quotation: doire an eathar. Notes: the hull of the boat.
Origin: Uig, Lewis
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dol: Quot.: “’S e rud a bha a’ dol a bh’ann.” Note: e.g. an illness which was contagious.
Origin: Kershader
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dol: Quotation: “Nach fiathaich an dol air aghaidh seo!” Notes: What a carry on this is!
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dol: Quotation: Tha e air an dol chian. Notes: He is always moving about, never in the one place for any length of time.
Location: Islay, Port Wemyss
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dol an ceann laoigh: Quotation: Tha am beathach ud gus a dhol an ceann laoigh (about to calve). Notes: Not in Dw.
Location: Lewis
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dol ann: carry on. “Nach ann an sin a tha dol ann.”
Location: North Uist, Carinish, Cnoc Cuidhein [Knockquien]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dol-air-adhart: nn ‘goings-on’: tha ~ air feadh an t-saoghail an ceartair ‘ tha gàbhaidh
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
dol-air-aghaidh: Quotation: Nach fiathaich an dol air aghaidh seo. Notes: What a carry-on this is!
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dollag: [d̪ɔɫɑɡ] Quotation: Cho ruighinn ris an dollaig. Notes: perhaps from “dallag” – type of dogfish.
Location: Lewis, Barvas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dom: Quotation: Bheireadh e an dom dheth an adha agad. Notes: said of a compulsive thief.
Location: Ross-shire, Aultbea
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dom: [d̪[ɤu̟]m] Quotation: Cho searbh ris an dom. Notes: gall-bladder.
Origin: Coigach
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
domail: [d̪omɑl] Quot.: “Cha deach mìr an domail [ən̪omɑl] dheth.” Note: Cha deach càil a dhìth dheth.
Origin: [Caversta]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dombail: hazard, chance. “Cha chaill ’s cha bhuannaich am fear nach cuir a chuid an dombail.”
Location: Inverness
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
domblas: Quotation: an domblas [ədọ˖məɫɑ̈s]. Notes: the bile duct or gall bladder.
Location: Ross of Mull
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
donachd: I am not quite certain if this is a swear word, it’s still in use as: an donachd càil a gheibh e bhuam-sa, unless it’s a corruption of ‘donas’, or dressing the word ‘donas’.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
donachd: mere, as: An donachd sgillinn a gheibh e. (Scalpay) Perhaps of the same ‘effect’ as anacha (Lewis). [NOTES: the quotation on the slip reads ‘An donachd sgillinn gheibh e’. Definition: Euphemistic variant of Donas? Cf. Applecross: an doireas.]
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
donas: nn ‘trouble, problem’: ‘s e an ~ a bhiodh an sin; 's e car do dh. a bha ann, theirinn-sa
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
donnag: Young ling. ’S ann le traigh mhor a gheibh thu donnagan as fhiach an toirt dhachaidh, ged a chi thu feadhainn bheaga dhuibh [sic] ann an lointean a’ chontraigh. Bidh feadhainn aca anns am bi suas ri da throigh fo chlachan agus ann an sgoran anns am bi sàl. Tha an fheadhainn mhóra so pailt fada muigh air cladaichean Dhail.
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness, Lionel
Category: Maorach / Shellfish
dorcha: adj. : tha sibh gu math ~ [‘ignorant’] san taigh, ma ta, an seo
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
dorchnachdainn: Quotation: anns an dorchnachdainn. Notes: in the gathering darkness.
Location: Ross-shire, Aultbea
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dorgan: Quotation: Cha chluinn thu aige ach an aon dorgan. Notes: monotonous harangue.
Location: Applecross
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dorgh (I): Chan aithne dhomh seòrsa duirgh a bhith aca againne ach an aon, an tè chumanta. Luaidhe agus na dubhanan mar anns an dealbh. Chan eil mi cinnteach an e dà dhubhan, no am bitheadh ceithir aca. Tha mi amharusach gu robh ainm aca airson bodhaig an duirgh.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
dorgh, duirgh: chan eil am facal seo cumantan [sic] ann an Gleana Dail (Eilean Sgitheanach).
Origin: An t-Eilean Sgitheanach [Skye; Skye, Glendale acc. to other questionnaires]
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
dornag: pios a tha ann an laimh.
Location: [Harris], Leverburgh
Category: Togail Bhàtaichean / Boat-Building
dornan mara: an isthmus.
Location: Skye
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dorsaireachd: literally walking between doors. Not going further than your house. Would be used on a rainy day when outdoor work was cancelled. “Cha robh mi ach a dorsaireachd mun taigh fad an latha.”
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dorus: Quotation: Cha deach mi mach air toll doruis an diugh. Notes: I didn’t go out of the house today.
Location: Lewis, Barvas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dorus: Quotation: Thug mi cùl an doruis dha. Notes: I put him out of the house.
Location: Lewis, Barvas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dorus: Quot.: “dorus an fhuaraidh”. Note: shielings used to have two doors, opposite each other. They were opened or shut depending on the direction of the wind. The one to windward was “dorus an fhuaraidh”. (Put also under fuaradh.)
Origin: [Barvas]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dorus: Quot.: an dorus iadht [iɤt̪]. Note: one of two doors in a shieling.
Location: Lewis, Uig, Crowlista
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dorus: Quotation: an dorus catha. Notes: the door leading into the living room.
Origin: Applecross
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dorus: Quotation: Am fear a bhios ag éisdeachd cùl an doruis cha chluinn e nì math mu thimchioll féin.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dorus: Quot.: dorus an tallain. Note: the door leading out of the “living room”.
Location: Harris, Quidinish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dorus: [dɔ̣rəst] Quotation: “gabh an dorus”.
Location: Ross of Mull
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dorus: Quot.: “dorus an tallan [sic]”. Note: door leading to living quarters in a blackhouse.
Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dorus an t-sabhail: (Far am biodh tigh agus sabhal ri chèile.)

Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
dorus an t-sobhail: the barn door.
Location: [Lewis], Siabost
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
dorus an talain: Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
dorus an tallain: the door leading into the living room.
Origin: Eileanaich [natives of Lewis]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
dorus an tigh’ mhóir: Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
dorus braighe-an-tighe: The door of the upper room or sleeping quarters.
Origin: Skye
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
dorus màs an tighe: a door at the lower end of the house.
Location: [Lewis], Siabost
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
dorus na cruaiche: An ceann a theid fhosgladh do’n chruaich gus na fadan a thoirt gu teine.
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
dorus uachdar an tighe: Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
dorus-an-tallain: partion [sic] [partition?] door.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
do’l: [nuair] conj. ‘when’: ~ a locraicheadh tu e; tha cuimhne agam-as ~ a bha giuthas an seo
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
drabhailte: Quotation: an drabhailte. Notes: the hopper in the mill.
Origin: [?]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
drabhchd: [d̪ɾɑu̟k] Note: troc gun chiall gun mhodh. Misgeir a tha a’ cur a chuid gu h-iomlan ’s an deoch.
Origin: Swainbost
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
drabhs: [d̪ɾɑu̟s] Quot.: a’ drabhsadh feoil ris an teine. Note: grilling, toasting.
Origin: [Barvas]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
drabhs: Tha drabhs aig air an teine (fuaim mar a bhios ag geir ’n uair a thilgear pios dhi dh’an teine).
Location: Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
drabhsadh: [d̪ɾɑu̟səɣ] Quot.: a drabhsadh feòil air an teine. Note: toasting, grilling.
Origin: [Ness]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
drabhsaidh: [d̪ɾɑu̟si] Quot.: “Drabhsaidh an deireadh agad!” Note: i.e. Gheibh am màs agad teas a chuir ann.
Origin: Carloway, Doune
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dradharna: Chan eil e seo againn idir. [NOTES: one of the words suggested in the questionnaire – ‘an insignificant, useless person’.]
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Nàdur an Duine / Personality
dragh: [dɾɤɣ] Quotation: an dragh. Notes: rope from horse’s harness to “greallag”.
Origin: North Uist
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dramadh: [d̪ɾɑməɣ] Quot.: fiodh a’ dramadh leis an teas. Note: shrinking and cracking with heat. Also: aghaidh air dramadh leis an aois. (Properly dreamadh.)
Origin: Carloway, Doune
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
draogh: Quot.: “Tha ’m pana air draoghadh air an teine.” Note: for “traogh” – dry up, empty of liquid.
Origin: [Barvas]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
draoin: making faces. Chuir mi draoin orm. – I made an ugly face.
Origin: Tiriodh [Tiree]
Category: Coltas an Duine / Personal Appearance
draoinich: farmers. “Chaidh mi dìreach gu na draoinich a bha a cuir [sic] an t-sìl.”
Location: North Uist, Grimsay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dreamadh: Quot.: Bàta air dreamadh leis an teas. Note: dried up so that its surface is not as plain as normally.
Origin: [Barvas]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dreamadh: a wrinkle. A chraicionn air dreamadh leis an aois. Rinn e dreamadh gàire, a faint smile.
Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
drean dhuinnte: an underground ditch. [NOTES: corrected to ‘drèan dhùinte’.]
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dreannag (f): Quotation: “Bheir mise air an dreannaig agad!” Notes: back.
Location: Harris, Ardhasaig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dreannaig: back. Ealach air an dreannaig chaol – a burden on the skinny back.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dreas: [< dress] vb. ‘dress’: gheibheadh tu e [an clò] leth-dreaste neo dreaste; an rud a bha dreaste, dhèanadh e deise leth-dreaste. See lethach
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
dreas: Quotation: “O’n dreas gus an droigheann.” Notes: from bad to worse.
Origin: Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dreas: Quotation: “O’n dreas gus an droigheann.” Notes: from bad to worse.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dreasair: dresser (furniture piece). Tha e air an dreasair.
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dreidheadh: in the context of a place where you could stay. “An d’fhuair thu àite far an dreidheadh tu?”
Location: North Uist, Tigharry
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
drein-a-charois: scowl on the face with the mouth to reveal it. Drein a’ cur a bheòil ann an cruth.
Location: Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dreinneasach: a male with a scowl. Dréinneasach [sic] grànnda. (Harris) [NOTES: originally the headword was spelled ‘dréinneasach’ just like the word in the example. Then it was corrected to ‘dreinneasach’ but the word in the example was left unchanged, possibly through an oversight.]
Location: [Harris], Scalpaigh [Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
drena: an open drain.
Origin: Assynt, Stoer
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
dress: nn ‘outfit’: agus an ~ mhairbh oirre, dress duine marbh [FMM]
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
dreug: [d̪ɾu̟ɡ] Notes: ball of fire in the sky, thought to be an evil omen. [NOTES: slipped under ‘dreag’.]
Origin: Glenurquhart
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
driamlach: applied to an accumulation of hooks, gut used for fishing.
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Driamlach: Dragh caol laidir. Bidh fad gu leth na slait agad air slait mhóir. Aig ceann fosgailte an dragh so bidh snòta de wid le dubhan air airson biadhadh.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
driamlaichean-liunn: na driamlaichean a chi sibh a seòladh eadar da ‘lionn’ neo ‘liunn’. Faic an càirdeas [?]. See at ebb tide. Saoilidh mi cuideachd gu robh na facail dorchan-liunn air a chleachdadh. [SLIP: (Driamlach-liunn) Fishing lines on ebb tide.]
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dribhleach: [?] duileag dorn [?] air bharr an uisge.
Location: Mull [see below for details]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
driomlach: an old dorgh [q.v.] past using or beginning to rot but word more commonly used for the giant boot laces.
Origin: Barra
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
driunga (no drunga) (I): Bhiodh i aotrom. Bhiodh i mar ciste chumanta, no le mullach cruinn oirre. ’S mar sin. Drunga, is ann aig feadhainn a bhiodh a’ siubhal a bhiodh i mar clann-nighean a bhiodh a’ dol air mhuinntireas, ’s clann-nighean an sgadain, ’s feadhainn mar sin.

Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
droch: Quotation: An droch rud. Notes: euphemism for ‘cancer’.
Location: Perthshire, Killin
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
droch: Quotation: ’S ann ort a tha ’n droch thuair. Notes: poor colour, e.g. after an illness. [NOTES: slipped under ‘droch-thuar’.]
Origin: North Uist
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
droch: Quotation: faoileann an droch chladaich. Notes: see faoileann.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
droch chomhlaiche: an envious person.
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
droch fheith anns an rathad: a pothole in the road. [NOTES: ‘fheith’ corrected to ‘fhèith’.]
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
drochaid: Quotation: drochaid an druimeal. Notes: the groove across the top of the saddle which accommodates the back-chain (druimeal).
Location: Sutherland, Durness, Sangomore
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
droigheann: Quotation: “O’n dreas gus an droigheann.” Notes: from bad to worse.
Origin: Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
droigheann: Quotation: “O’n dreas gus an droigheann.” Notes: from bad to worse.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dromanach: Quotation: “An dromanach, tha sin a bha ’ga crochadh a suas nan trims.”
Location: Mull
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dromanach: Quotation: an dromanach [əndrọmɑnɑx]. Notes: the strap which supported the trams on to the horse.
Location: Ross of Mull
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dromanach (caol): slatan caola seilich ùr no calltuinn mu 3' am fad. Bha thu ’gan dèanamh biorach air an dà cheann, ’gan dathadh ’sa’ mheadhon le dreiseag air an teine, ’gan lùbadh gu cumadh prine-fuilt, ’gan cur eadar rungas cathrach ’gan cumail crom. Bha iad aig an tughdair ag cumail an fhraoich ’na àite. Thogadh e gus an ath bhreth iad mar a bha e ag obair. Rachadh am fagail ’sa’ mhullach. Bha thu ’gan dathadh is ’gan toinneamh an seo [see the arrow in the picture] mus bristeadh iad anns an lùbadh.

Origin: Geàrrloch (Loch Iubh) [Gairloch (Loch Ewe)]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
drongaireachd: used as part of an expression indicating disbelief and amusement at what was being talked about. “O dhrongaireachd.”
Location: South Uist, Milton
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dronnag: an old skirt folded several times into a saddle on the small of the back.
Origin: Lewis, Back or Lewis, Back
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
druganta: an old man walking with an admirable pace for his age. Nach e tha druganta.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
druganta: draggingly [sic]. Is sibhse’ tha druganta. (addressing an old person) [SLIP: “Draggingly”. Used when addressing an old person.]
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris,Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
druideag: Quotation: an druideag. Notes: starling.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
druidte: [d̪ɾu̟tʹə] Quotation: Rinn e druidte an tigh. Notes: watertight. (From druid – to shut up closely?)
Location: Skye, Kilmuir
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
druilionn: a word which you would use when something you had in control takes a new development and goes outside your comprehension. “Tha an suidheachadh sin air a dhol druilionn orm.” In South Uist the word is pronounced as ‘triulaidh’.
Location: North Uist, Iollaraigh [Illeray]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
druim: Quotation: an druim. Notes: backbone of the long line.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
druim: Quotation: an caol druim [əŋɡöldɾ̱ïm]. Notes: part of the back behind the shoulders.
Location: Ross of Mull
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
druim (E): Druim an lìon-mhóir.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
druim an iomaire: The first furrow or first two furrows when ploughing from centre of ridge.
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
Druim an lin: An t-sreang air fad ris a bheil na snotaichean ceangailte. Tha trì eatheannan eadar gach snòta no dubhan. Chan eil sreang na snòta cho garbh ris an druim ach tha i air a dual dùbailte.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
Druim an lin bhig: Sin an t-sreang air a fad ris am bi na snòtaichean ceangailte.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
druim an lìn: top of the net.
Origin: [Skye, Camus Chroise]
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
Druim an tighe: Bhà.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
druimeach: [d̪ɾw̃mɑx] Quotation: Chaidh a’ chairt ’s an t-each druimeach air tharrach. Notes: turned turtle. (From druim – back; tàrr – belly?)
Location: Lewis, Barvas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
druimean-feilidh: [d̪ɾw̃mɑṉfɛli] Note: facal ionadail. Mu dhuine aotrom, éibhinn, an-cheardach.
Origin: Swainbost
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
druis: Quotation: Chaidh e ann an druis. Notes: He was caught in the act.
Location: Skye, Breakish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
drumanach: alder. Boys used to fish with rods of the branches of an alder tree, the branches
long enough.
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Blàthan-Leighis / Medicinal Plants
dràibh: Notes: an untidy worker (a long è sound).
Location: Skye, Strath
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
drèin: nn ‘grimace’: pl.: bha e na laighe air an ùrlar ‘s e ‘ cur ~ean crosta air
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
drèip: drip, as treacle dripping from a container or a child’s mouth. May have an equivalent to reap or rèip.
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
drùdhag: Quotation: Tha e trom air an drudhaig. Notes: He’s a heavy drinker.
Location: Lewis, Barvas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
drùim: ris am bheil an lion air a cheangal.
Origin: An t-Eilean Sgitheanach [Skye; Skye, Glendale acc. to other questionnaires]
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
duan (m): Quotation: Tha esan air an aon duan. Notes: on his hobby-horse.
Location: Harris, Ardhasaig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
duathar: obscurity. Dé an duathar a thàinig air co-dhiù.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dub: Cha d’thàinig dub air bho dh’fhàg e an sgoil. – He never grew an inch since he left school.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dubh: Quotation: Bha trod an duine dhuibh a sud a-raoir. Notes: i.e. very serious.
Location: Harris, Ardhasaig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dubh: Quotation: ’S e an dubh éiginn a thug air sin a dheanamh. Notes: dire necessity.
Origin: Applecross
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dubh: Notes: the colour black; or dark. Also used to describe a black-guard and the works of darkness, e.g. “Ian dubh Cearr (Kerr) / Cha do rinn an ceard / Na dh’fhaodadh e.” The black-guard John Kerr / The tinker did not do what he could.
Origin: West Lewis [the location given on the slips]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dubh-char: Quotation: ’S fheàrr dhomh ’n dubh-char a chuir as an neo-chàs. (RMP also heard “neo-char”.) Notes: I’d better do the heaviest, dirtiest, most unpleasant task first.
Location: Barra, Bruernish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dubh-cheannach: Dubh ge léir ’s an aodann, gun mìr geal ’sam bith. [Cf. brògach]
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
dubh-loch (E): (Fuaimnich dùbh-loch.) Tha seo againn ann an ainm. Agus ’se lochan dubha (lòin) a th’ann. (Chuir mi seo, dubh-loch, ’s an àite cheàrr.)
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Cruth na Tìre / Landscape Features
dubh-sheanair: great grandfather. (Urq.) This summer a Glenurquhart man spoke of his mother’s great grandfather (who was one of the Seven Men of Glenmoriston, 1746) as “dubh sheanair mo mhàthair”. He gave the names of the fingers as: “ordag, mac an ab’, ceanna fad’, ludag, bhideag”. A near neighbour and contemporary (both families in the district for generations) gave them as: “ordag, bhordag, gille fada, mac an aba, bhideag”.
Location: Inverness
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dubhan: Pàirtean: Bois an dubhain. Lurga an dubhain. Gob an dubhain. An ribheag (I) (ribheag, riobhag; againne air fhuaimneachadh mar ruf'ag).
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
dubhan (E), dubhanan: Mur eil mi dol ceàrr, ’se mu 19 dubhan an lìon-bhig.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
Dubhan comhallach: [sic] So dubhan mór iarruinn air a dheanamh le gobha is air a leigeil do bhata làidir fada gus an t-iasg trom a thogail a steach don eathar no don bhàta. Gu tric is ann de spàg grapa a tha an dubhan so air a dheanamh.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
dubhanan: Chanainn gur h-e mu 8 (no mu 9) dubhan an lìn-mhóir. Dubhan anns a h-uile dà aitheamh air an lìon-mhór. Pàirtean an dubhain: [See the illustration above.] Lurga an dubhain. [NOTES: slipped under ‘lurga’.] Bois an dubhain. [NOTES: slipped under ‘bois’.] Gob an dubhain. [NOTES: slipped under ‘gob’.] An ribheag (I). [NOTES: slipped under ‘ribheag’.]
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
dubhar: Anns an dubhar – in the shade.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dubhfhacal: this would be applied to a woman who was held to possess some kind of supernatural power. “Bha an dubhfhacal aice.”
Location: South Uist, South Boisdale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dugan: [du̟ɡan] pole cat. (croit an dugain [?]) [SLIP: Pole cat. Also found in place-name ‘Croftintygane’ near Lawers, Loch Tay.]
Origin: Kill-Fhinn
Category: Crodh / Cattle
dui, daoigh: expectation. “Tha mi an dui.”
Location: Inverness
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
duilean: Quotation: an duilean. Notes: gift sent to mother when child was acknowledged; or, drink given when a newborn child was visited.
Location: North Uist
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
duileasg (f): dulse (Rhodymenia palmata). Car buidhe agus dearg a-mach a season. Bha caig [sic] duileasg ’nad bhial dìreach mar a fhuair thu an tràigh i.
Origin: Tiree
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
duilein: Quotation: an duilein. Notes: N. Uist equivalent of ùrstan in Lewis – celebration of birth. From dubh-leann?
Location: North Uist
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
duilich: adj. ‘difficult’: SUPLTV.: anns an dòigh bu dhuiliche [ɣuliçə]
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
duilich: Quotation: ’S duilich an car a’ thoirt as an t-seana mhaide.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
duillain: an alternative to the ‘bangaid’ to celebrate the birth of a child. [NOTES: note added above ‘duillain’ – duillean.]
Origin: [Note: From North Uist, information from Alex O’Henley / RÓM 4 Dec 2023]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
duilleag: Quotation: Fhuair mi am beul an duilleig i. Notes: a piece of cartilage (?) in the centre of the chest between the ribs. Above said when a blow was received on the chest in this region.
Location: Skye?, Braes, Baile Meadhonach
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
duilleag: Notes: blade of an oar.
Location: Sutherland, Embo
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
duin iaruinn: an iron hauler used to pull creels and nets into a boat.
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
duine amhaidh (E): Duine amh. ’Na dhòigh agus ’n a chòmhradh. Mar a shaoileadh sibh leis an ainm. [NOTES: slipped under ‘amhaidh’. Definition: A rough person in speech and manner.]
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Nàdur an Duine / Personality
duine anamhin: an unfit man.
Origin: Muile (ceann a tuath) [Mull (the north side)]
Category: Coltas an Duine / Personal Appearance
duine dreachail: duine ruadh as an adhaigh.
Location: Na Hearadh [Harris], Horgabost
Category: Coltas an Duine / Personal Appearance
duine foilleach: an impatient, hurried person. Always trying [to] do things at great speed. [NOTES: ‘foilleach’ corrected to ‘foileach’.]
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
duine lom: hard-hearted. “Cho lòm [sic] ris an deargan.”
Origin: Barra
Category: Nàdur an Duine / Personality
duine moigeil: an agreeable person.
Location: North Uist, [Carinish], Cnoc Cuidhein [Knockquien]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
duine non: applied to an extremely competent and pleasant man. (Word supplied by Mr K. C. MacKinnon, Bernisdale, Isle of Skye.)
Origin: Glasgow/South Uist? or South Uist, Kildonan or South Uist, Garrynamonie or South Uist or Skye, Bernisdale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
duine sgeinneil: an efficient, energetic worker.
Location: Harris, Sgarastamhor
Category: Nàdur an Duine / Personality
duine somalta: an easy going man.
Location: Harris, Finsbay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
duin’-an-t-saoghail: man of the world.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Coltas an Duine / Personal Appearance
dul: Quotation: Am biodh móran daoine a’ dul aig an ám sin suas agus sios aig ám na holidays.
Location: Arran, Pirnmill
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dulag: n. ‘cone’: theireadh iad ~an na spruis, cones. They say that for pulleys on boats
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
dunaidh: Quotation: Mac na dunaidh! Notes: like “mac an uilc!”.
Location: Lewis, Barvas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dunaidh: favourite expression if something went against you, e.g. “A Mhic na dunaidh.” Also in sense of a person not getting what he had been expecting, e.g. a person who had hoped for a construction contract: “Rinn iad an dunaidh air.”
Location: South Uist, Lochcarnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dunnaltas: dirt and slime attached to an expectant cow. [NOTES: corrected to ‘dunaltas’.]
Location: South Uist, Kildonan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
durabhaidh: i.e. used for an unpleasant, dour character. “Duine durabhaidh.”
Location: North Uist, Hoghagearraidh [Hougharry]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dusbardaich: Quot.: “a’ dusbardaich”. Note: showing an ungainly gait.
Origin: [Ness]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dusd (m): Quotation: an dusd. Notes: corpse. [?]
Location: Harris, Ardhasaig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
duthchas: natural to one’s surroundings. Theid duthchas an aghaidh nan creig.
Location: South Uist, Bornish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dà: Quotation: ’S ann ort a thainig an dà là! Notes: change of circumstances.
Location: Lewis, Barvas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dà-bhliadhnach reithe: (‘Dò-bhliadhnach’ againne.) Dò-bhliadhnach rùid. Bho théid e seachad air bliadhna ’se ‘rùd’ a th’ againne airson ‘reithe’. Aig na Lochan thall, ’se ‘rùda’ a chanas iad. Agus rud glé arraid, ann an Uig an Iar air fad, cho fada agus a tha lorg agam-sa, ’se ‘rùd’ a th’aca. Ach Bréidhnish, Islibhig agus Mangarstadh, ’se ‘reithe’ a th’ aca. Chan eil fhios agam dé mar a dh’éirich seo.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
dàdsair: of over ordinary size as a wave; or taking an excessive drink from a bottle of whisky. Thug e na dàdsairean od as. (Harris)
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dàil: Quotation: Far an tig dàil, thig dearmad. Notes: Where there’s delay, there’s forgetfulness.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dàilisdean: Notes: delays on an errand.
Origin: Skye
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dàir: “Tha an dàir air a bhoin.” The cow is abulling. “Chaidh a bho a dhàir.” “Dhàir an tarbh a bhó.” The cow was bulled (successfully).
Origin: Leodhas [Lewis], Uig
Category: Crodh / Cattle
dàn: Quotation: “Ciamar a tha sibh an diugh?” “O, ’s dàn a bhi a’ gearain.”
Location: Skye, Portree
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dàn: Quotation: Bha e an dàn dha. Notes: destiny.
Origin: Islay, Ballygrant
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dàrna: Quotation: an dàrna [d̪ɑ:ṉɑ] fòid. Notes: the second peat (second layer).
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Dè an t-ioghnadh amadan a bhi leannanachd òinseach: proverb.
Location: South Uist, Lochcarnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dèan: vb ‘do, make’ : past: rinn e uamhas airgid; cond.: cha dèanadh spionnadh duine an deamhan a chur air falbh idir; vbl nn.: cha robh e dona idir air a dh.; fear a’ dèanadh a’
rathaid;
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
déadhann: [dʹe:ən̪] Notes: (1) fetter. (2) could be used for what tied an animal to a post.
Origin: Coigach
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
déile: Air an déile. After being washed and dressed a dead body was stretched (righeadh) on long planks of wood draped in white linen sheets, pending the arrival of the coffin. At this early stage the corpse was referred to as being “air an déile”.
Origin: Skye
Category: Bàs is Adhlacadh / Death and Burial
déireach: [dʹ[ɤi]ɾɑx] Quotation: Bithidh déireach as an tóin agad an ceartair. Notes: a (slightly) painful tingling sensation. Dh’ol mi deoch fhuar ’s thug e déireach as na fiaclan agam.
Location: Skye, Breakish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dìaulum: an old word which referred to strong liquer [sic] [liquor?] of any kind. Informant has a song on this. [NOTES: note added above – Di-abhlam.]
Location: South Uist, Iochdar
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dìblidh: Servile. ’Se ‘dìblidh’, saoilidh mi, a th’againne an còmhnuidh.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Nàdur an Duine / Personality
dìch: (Uist) Crodh. An tàinig an dìch? Have the cows come home?
Origin: [Skye]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dìdearachd: Quotation: Bha e dìdearachd aig an dorus. Notes: peeping in at the door. Also spying, “Bha e dìdearachd orra.” – he was spying on them.
Origin: West Lewis [the location given on the slips]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dìg: A ditch constructed to drain a loch or marsh. E.g. an dig [sic] mhór – to drain Loch Hastin.
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
dìle: Quot.: “Tha a’ chlach shios as an dìle.” Note: used of a stone which is well embedded in the ground.
Location: Harris, Northton
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dìobartan: [dı:bərd̪ɑ̃ṉ] Quotation: “Bha e cho luath ris an dìobartan.” Notes: thought to be the sunlight dancing on rippled water. George Moss (N. Kessock) says “air tremble or whirling, over boggy ground on a hot day”.
Origin: Glenurquhart
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dìochuimhnich: vb ‘forget’: vbl nn.: dè an dìochuimhneachadh [ʧiəxəɲəx] a rinn mi
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
dìog: Quotation: An duine bochd a’ dìogadh a mhionaich ach a faigh e còmhradh a nì e ris an t-sluagh. Notes: Common expression, used of ‘pressing’, ‘squeezing’. Does not seem to be in Dwelly. Source: D.S.T. (Lewis usage). Date: 19/12/1971.
Location: Lewis
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dìosg: [dʹıɤsɡ] Quotation: a’ cur an crodh an dìosg. Notes: letting the cows go dry.
Origin: Strontian
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dìosg: Quotation: an diosgadh [sic] [dʹiiəsɡəɣ]. Notes: going farrow (of a cow).
Location: Ross of Mull
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dìreach: Quotation: an fhèithe dhìreach. Notes: the gullet.
Location: Ross-shire, Aultbea
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dìrich: Quotation: a’ dìreachadh an fhiodh. Notes: make straight (planing).
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dínneir: Dínneir, Tràth meadhoin latha: brot air a dheanamh de sùgh mhuilt-fheòil, rabaid no maigheach is eòrna, cúrain is càil as a gharadh is neaban as an achadh; feall phronn na bhonnaichean beaga; pudding air a dheanamh le sìl mar “rice” agus bainne. Nuair a bhiodh feoil gann, bhiodh buntàta is bainne, slaman is uachdar. Cha robh a chlann déidheil air a bharaille sgadain sailte. Corro uair thigeadh each is cairt an rathad le sgadan úr agus cairt eile le feòil. As a Ghearasdan thigeadh cairtean le gach seàrsa de bhiadh aran as na búithean.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dòigh: n. ‘way’: an ceangal ris air ~ air an t-saoghal; chan eil thu ’ còrdadh rium idir nad dhòighean; dh’ionnsaich mi san ~ chruaidh i; an ~ a bheireadh e air an locair; ach ’ fhaicinn
an ~ ’ tha e air a dhèanamh; an ~ -- a dh’obraicheadh e an t-iarann; an ~ ’ bh’ aca air luathadh an seo; an ~ ’ bh’ aca air a dhèanamh; bha ’n ~ fhèin aca air a chuile sian; cha do rinn mise
sianmu dheidhinn obair iasgaich riamh do dh. air an t-saoghal; cha bhiodh iad a’ dol an aghaidh a chèile ~ air an t-saoghal; nì iad an-diugh an ~ eile e; anns an ~ bu dhuiliche
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
dòirneag: Notes: handle of an oar.
Location: Islay, Port Wemyss
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dòlas: nn ‘damned’: cha robh an ~ [to͂:ʁ̫as] duine ’-staigh; chuile ~ cent; tha an ~ beòthaichean
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
Dòmhnull Dubh: An Sàtan.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Dòmhnull Solt: An cadal.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dòrn: Quotation: caol-an-dùirn. Notes: wrist.
Location: Islay, Bowmore
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dòrn: Quotation: a’ cuir am bogadh an clò agus ’ga fhàsgadh dòrn is dòrn. Notes: hand over hand.
Origin: North Uist
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dòrn: nn ‘fist [= blow]’: bhuail e ~ air an rìgh [DAG]
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
dòrn: Quotation: a’ toirt a mach an dòrn fhuar. Notes: feat of strength tried when a cow was killed. One of the legs was caught near the hoof and twisted till it broke from the knee, then twisting was continued till the skin broke.
Origin: Uig, Lewis
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dòrn-bhuar: [d̪ɔ:ʴṉvu̟ɤɾ] Quot.: “a’ toirt a mach an dòrn-bhuar”. Note: a competition or test of strength tried when a cow had been killed. This consisted of trying to take the hoof off by twisting it until the first joint gave way and then the skin. [NOTES: the turned r used for the symbol which is unclear in the original.]
Origin: Crowlista
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dòrn-fhuar: Quot.: a’ toirt a mach an dòrn-fhuar. Note: trial of strength involving the twisting off with the bare hands of the lower part of the cow’s leg at the knee.
Origin: Carloway, Doune
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dòrnag: Quotation: a feuchainn an dòrnaig. Notes: putting the shot.
Location: Lewis, Barvas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dòrnag: Tool aig greusaiche. Airson an làmh a ghleidheadh a’ teannachadh gu math an t-sreangain. (A’ fuaigheal bonn bròige ’s a leithid sin.)
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dòrnan (E): An dòrnan. (Faic an dealbh.)
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
dólas: worse. Rinn sin an dólas air – that made matters worse.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dùbailte: adj. ‘twice’: an uair ud, an lagh a bh’ ann, phaigh a’ Bhan- Gheancach ~ mairt __ dhan Fhrancach bhochd
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
dùil: Quotation: Chan ann gun dùil comain a ni an croman fead. Notes: hope of reward. Croman – chough.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dùnan: Quotation: an dùnan. Notes: the dung heap.
Origin: Islay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dùndarach: [d̪u̜:n̪d̪ɑɾəx] Notes: dour. Also used as an adj. “Chaneil ann dheth ach dùndarach.”
Location: Skye, Harlosh
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dùsgach: void, empty, ‘dustless’. An robh duin’ ann, anns an tigh? Cha robh dùsgach. (Scalpay expression)
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dùsgadh: Revival (creideamh). Cuideachd ‘dùsgadh’ airson dùsgadh chlach an àirde as an talamh, agus ‘dùsgadh’ airson na sreathan buntàta a dhùsgadh an àirde le gràp.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
dùthaich: Quotation: Do bheatha an dùthaich! Notes: Welcome home!
Origin: Tiree
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
e beiteadh an rathaid: [sic] a drunkard’s walk.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Coltas an Duine / Personal Appearance
eabar: describes a surface that is muddy, wet. “Tha an talamh na eabar.”
Origin: [Note: From North Uist, information from Alex O’Henley / RÓM 4 Dec 2023]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
eacarsaich: to fidget, nervous movement. “Dè an eacarsaich a tha ort an sin.”
Location: North Uist, Lochmaddy, Crombagh
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
eacarsaich (f): Quotation: ag eacarsaich; dé an eacarsaich a th’ort a sin. Notes: not e.g. [?] – exercise. Bounding about; antics, i.e. frivolous quality.
Location: Harris, Ardhasaig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
each sgiuramach: used for an excitable horse.
Location: North Uist, Iollaraigh [Illeray]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
each-uisge: nn ‘water-horse’ ‘s e an t-~ ‘ tha aca air
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
eachan: Spout fish eile. Gheibhear e anns an làghaich is theid e cho domhain aig amannan ’s gun caill thu e.
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness, Lionel
Category: Maorach / Shellfish
eadar a làmh ’s an taobh: something that emerges accidentally.
Location: Barra, Ard Mhinish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
eadar-an-dà-dhorus: Notes: lobby (tigh-dubh).
Location: Skye, Portree
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
eadar-dhà-bhìth anns an dorus: Gun a bhith a muigh no a stigh mu an dorus. (Minig a bha cailleach ann.)
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
eadar-radh: Quot.: “Bha e as an eadar-radh.”
Origin: [Barvas]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
eadaras: [ɑd̪əɾəs] Quotation: (1) Chunna mi a bhó eadaras an tigh dubh. (2) Bithidh e tighinn eadaras trí uairean. Notes: (1) Between here and the black house. (2) Between now and three o’clock.
Location: Lewis, Barvas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
eadh: Quotation: Dé an eadh a th’ort? Notes: How tall are you?
Location: Achlyness
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
eadhon: advb ‘even’ : ~ [jɔwin] nam biodh fhios agaibh air faclan an òrain; ~ sa [jo.sə] latha an-diugh; tha feadhain ~ [i̯u-ɪn] a’ driveadh às a seo gu Sydney
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
eadradh: [ɛd̪ɾəɣ] Quotation: eadradh maidne, eadradh feasgair; am an eadraidh. Notes: milking time; M says it also could be used of the yield of milk, e.g. morning and evening.
Location: Skye, Kilmuir
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
eadradh: bleoghann. Bha seo aig seann duine ach thubhairt e gur ann an Srath-Eireann a thog e e ’na òige. [NOTES: it is not clear if the above comment refers to ‘eadradh’ or ‘buarach’.]
Origin: Geàrrloch (Loch Iubh) [Gairloch (Loch Ewe)]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
eag: a notch. Also used for a dimple or an indentation in the chin.
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
eaglach: adj. ‘frightful, awful’: 's e duine ~ a bha ann; bha àite ~ ann an Chéticamp; chunna mi seo ~; bha e ~ èibhinn
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
eaglais: Quotation: An Eaglais Phàp. Notes: R.C. Church.
Origin: Loch Rannoch
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Eaglais an Aonaidh: The Church of Scotland.
Origin: [the questionnaire gives Ross-shire but it is most probably meant as the county not origin]
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
Eaglais Cheann Langabhat: An Eaglais Shaor Aonaichte, gu 1929.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
Eaglais na Secéders: Tha i seo, cuideachd, an Ceann Langabhat.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
ealan: [ɛɫ̫an] n. ‘swan’: mar ~ air bharr nan stuagh
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
ealbh: [= dealbh] nn ‘picture’: tha ealbh [jaʁ̫av] an duine sin a-staigh agam an-diugh
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
eallach: n. ‘burden, load’: sin agad ~ an duine leisg’ [lɛskh]
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Mira Co., Marion Bridge
Category: Word List
eallach: Quotation: an eallach. Notes: bronchitis.
Origin: North Uist
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ealladh: Quotation: bior eallaidh. Notes: an iron rod used to hold lighted peat as a torch. (Harris)
Origin: Harris
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ealta (-an): a covey of birds.
Location: Barra, Glen
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
eamaid: Quotation: “Fhreumhaich no eamaid cha téid mu do chasan gus an téid thu do’n ghreusaiche leis an t-seice ud” – cailleach ri a fear.
Location: Harris, Ardhasaig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
eamairt: “Gur olc an fheill a dh’fhàgas duine e fhein air an eamairt.” (Chaill e air a bhargain – bha e falaimh.)
Location: Inverness
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ear a dheas, an: advb ‘seatheasterly’: stoirm mhòr an ~ ann
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
earachaol: I am not definitely sure of this word. I haven’t heard the word now since years. I take it to mean leanness of spring. I remember hearing it something thus: anns an earachaol – in the leanness of spring, referring to cattle or cow or sheep, beasts in particular.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
earalas: Quotation: An earalas gun deanadh iad fuaim. Notes: in case.
Origin: Islay, Ballygrant
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
earalta: particular, certain; an ionad earalta – in a particular place.
Origin: [Strathglass]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
earar: Quotation: an earar. Notes: the day after tomorrow.
Location: Ross-shire, Achiltibuie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Earbaill seasg: Tha an da earball don bhall so a nis air ceann sgaoilte gus an ceangal ris a’ chàbull is ris a’ lion bheag. ’Se earbaill seasg a bhiodh aca oirre mar so.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
earball: [ɛɾɑbəɫ] Quot.: “a’ leigeil an earball leis a’ chraicionn”. Note: if one started going downhill in some way and then let everything go, one could say “Tha e ’n deidh an earball a leigeil leis a chraicionn.”
Origin: [Barvas]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
earchall: [ɛɾɑxəɫ] Quot.: “Dh’fhalbh e leis an earchall.” Note: used of loss of livestock.
Origin: Carloway, Doune
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
earchall: [ɛɾɑxɑɫ] Quot.: “Cha robh ann ach an t-earchall.” Note: usually used of the loss of an animal. If one reported a loss to someone, he might say this in response, i.e. that a loss is inevitable sometimes.
Origin: Ness
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
earchall: Quot.: “earchall an Earraich”. Note: loss of animals, most likely in the time of scarcity.
Origin: Uig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
eargnachadh: Tha an grunnd iasgaich air eargnachadh aig na tràlairean. – Chan eil creutair ann. (Faic ‘eargnachadh’ agus ‘eargnadh’.)
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
earra-ghoth: [ɑrɑɣɔ] Quotation: an t-earra-ghoth. Notes: the period when the moon is on the wane.
Location: Skye, Breakish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
earrachaol: (this is it) a dead carcase of sheep. Th’an [sic] t-earrachaol agad. A carcase of a dead sheep on the croft to bring ill luck from one’s croft it was transferred to another croft: therefore the ill luck also supposed to be transferred likewise (from an old Highland superstition etc etc.)
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
earraicis: Quotation: ann an earraicis, earraiciseach. Notes: makeshift. Not in Dw., who has earrag and earraig ‘shift’.
Location: Lewis
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
earraig: [ȷɑriɡʹ] Quot.: “Nach tu a thug an droch earraig asd!” Note: said if one went somewhere and something disadvantageous happened to him.
Origin: [Barvas]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
easair: an oatmeal orientated drink likely to be used to quench the thirst.
Origin: Uibhist a’ Deas [South Uist]
Category: Biadh is Deoch / Food and Drink
easgan dubh, easgann gheall: 66 [Common Eel] Ceann na natharach air an easgann is ceann an eisginn air an nathair.
Location: Mull [see below for details]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Easgann uillt: Easgann mu shia no seachd a dh’oirlich a dh’fhad air a feannadh is air a faileadh air a réileadh ri dubhan charbhanach aig a’ phas agus sios pios an calp gu glacadh liùgh. Se easgainn ‘rubber’ as tric a tha aca an diugh.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
easgann-chaol: (or an easgann-dhubh), was not this a term used for the jelly-eel. [NOTES: slipped under ‘easgann’.] [SLIP: Terms used for the “jelly-eel” (uncertain).]
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
easlainte-cham: Quot.: an easlainte-cham. Note: disease in cattle and sheep causing a twist in the neck.
Origin: [Lewis], Arnol
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
easpaig: nn ‘bishop’: bha ~ mòr aca shuas ann an Halifax
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
eataras: [ɛt̪əɾəs] Quotation: “Ciamar a tha thu?” “O, tha an eataras.” Notes: so-so.
Location: Canada, Antigonish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
eibhleag: an ember.
Origin: Barra
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
eibhleag-ghuail: ’Se seo a chanadh sinn ri eibhleag a bha air fuarachadh, a mach bho an chagailte.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
eibhseach (-an): a rope which joins the crupper to the saddle.
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
eilbhag (-an): earrings.
Location: South Uist, Lochcarnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
eileabanachd: Quot.: De an eileabanachd a th’ort a sin. Note: interfering or meddling with something one has no right to, e.g. a child up to mischief.
Origin: [Lewis], Arnol
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
eileabanachd: [eləbɑnɑxk] Quotation: “Dé ’n eileabanachd a th’ort an sin?” Notes: mischief, playing about.
Location: Lewis, Barvas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
eileamaid: Notes: element. Also used in the sense of boisterous behaviour: Ciod e an eileamaid a th’oirt?
Origin: West Lewis [the location given on the slips]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Eilean an-abaich: place-name. (Harris)
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
eileir: [ɛləɾ] Quotation: Tha ’n [ɛləɾ] glé dhon’ an diugh. Notes: The shore is very bad today. (oir-thir?)
Location: Sutherland, Kinlochbervie, Oldshoremore
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
eilgheadh: [elɑhəɣ] Quotation: Bha iad ag eilgheadh an atar. Notes: first ploughing where potatoes or turnips were planted the year before.
Location: Tiree, Heylipool [sic]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
eilghidh: [elei] Quot.: “ag eilghidh na talmhainn ann an dùmhlachd na bliadhna”. Note: first ploughing in winter to break up the soil. Turned in the spring for sowing.
Origin: Crowlista
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
eilidriom: Quotation: Thug iad leo an eilidriom. Notes: a hearse for carrying away the remains. Does the first part of the word mean removal? Eilidhriom (?)
Origin: West Lewis [the location given on the slips]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
eilitriom: Bho a leth thaobh: [see illustration]. Bhos a chionn: [see illustration]. Bho a thaobh (dìreach): [see illustration]. Tha e coltach gu’n deacha mi ceàrr an seo shuas: cha robh làmhan na h-eilitriom càm idir; bha iad dìreach.

Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Leabhar Deilbh / Drawing Book
eilitriom (E): Bha a’ chiste air a cur air eilitriom. Bha i air a ceangal ris an eilitriom le na cùird.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Bàs is Adhlacadh / Death and Burial
eilteachdainn: [elʹtʹɑxkĩnʹ] Quotation: “’S mi rinn an eilteachdainn ris.” Notes: showing great pleasure at seeing somebody.
Location: Ross-shire, Polbain
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
eimlisgeach: a badly behaved youngster. Can also mean confused but without the ‘each’ ending. “Bha e ann an eimlisg.”
Location: South Uist, Peninerine
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
eireachdail: adj. ‘beautiful, fine’: ò, bha seo ~ ach cha tàinig an railroad na bu mhotha; thàinig dà nighean a-staigh, dà nighean ~ [DAG])
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
eireachdas: nn ‘[a] beauty’: cheannaich e ~ do bhaile an sin
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
eireag: nn f. ‘pullet’: pl.: ~an cromte [k h r̻øumt´ə], crùbte [k hr̻u:pt´ə]
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
eisdeachd: Quotation: Bha iad a’s an eisdeachd. – They were (hearing sermon) in Church. Notes: apparently this word was the one used in the R. C. Church for attendance at Confession. Probably after the Reformation it continued to be used in the Gaelic area to describe a Protestant Service.
Origin: West Lewis [the location given on the slips]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
eiseach: [e:ʃəx] Quotation: Air acainn machine bha rud a’ dol sios fo’n uraball eiseach a feir [?] iad ris, bha sin airson dar a bhiodh e ruith nach gluaiseadh an t-srathair.
Location: Mull
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
eisean-an-t-sulaire: baby solan goose (bird).
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
eisir: Oyster. Chan fhaca mi iad so air na Lochan ach bha iad ri’m faighinn aig bun amhainn Ghiosla an Uig nuair a bha mise ann.
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness, Lionel
Category: Maorach / Shellfish
eislig: [eʃlʹıɡʹ] Quotation: Chuir iad an corp air an eislig. Notes: board(s) on which a body was stretched out.
Origin: Glenurquhart
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
eisreadh: Quotation: Leac an eisridh. Notes: the stone flags in the stalls beside the drain. Water ran down between these stones and into the drain.
Location: Lewis, Barvas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
eiteig (f): Quotation: Chuir e an eiteig ann leis na thug e dha de shlaicean. An eiteag ann an cearc.
Location: Harris, Ardhasaig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
eithear-caol: long-boat, of an unusual length in proportion to the width; one of these is still in existence on Scalpay. [NOTES: slipped under ‘eathar-caol’.]
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
eithear-corrach: an unstable boat. [NOTES: slipped under ‘eathar-corrach’.]
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
eitig: [etʹiɡʹ] Quot.: “Chuir sud direach an eitig ann.” Note: It was the finish of him, e.g. an illness, injury. Also: “Theid an eitig unnad ma theid thu a mach loromachd as an fhuachd seo.”
Origin: [Barvas]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
eitig: Quot: “Chaidh an eitig ann.” Note: a malady or something from which one wouldn’t recover.
Origin: Carloway, Doune
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
eitig: skeleton form, a disease effect, disease (Scalpay). Derived or another form of eitigh. [SLIP: Like a skeleton, caused by disease. (uncertain as to whether this is an adjectival or nominal form or both)]
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
emairt: when is someone is left empty. [sic] “Dh’fhàg iad e air an emairt.”
Location: North Uist, Grimsay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
eolas an déididh: mentioned in previous notes. Should be added that it was a prayer that was written and not a bit of prose as I previously indicated.
Location: South Uist, Stoneybridge
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
eolas-an-déididh: prior to the era of dentists a certain member of the community would write some words on a small bit of paper. Thereafter the afflicted person was not to look at this paper but to secretly place it under a rock. As the elements eroded the paper the toothache was supposed to wither away simultaneously.
Location: South Uist, Kildonan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
eubhais: [e:fɑʃ] Note: an uncommonly good thing.
Origin: [Caversta]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
eucoireach: adj. ‘deceitful’: bha e cho [o] ~, spaid sinn sa mionaid [sic] e; nn. ‘culprit’: agus bha an t-~ [ʤe:krəx] a bha seo … bha seann bhoireannach ann ‘s i na sìneadh air
lounge
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
eulaich: [ɛ̃ɑɫiç] Quotation: “An uair a fhuair sinn seachad a cheud [ɛ̃ɑɫiç].” Notes: numbness.
Origin: North Uist
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
eun: Quotation: Ged stuth eun an fhithich e, is geal ’na sùilean fhéin e. Notes: i.e. in his mother’s eyes.
Location: Islay, Port Wemyss
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
eun: nn ‘bird’: eoin an t-sneachd a chanas iad leatha
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
eun (ian) beag an t-sneachda.: snow bunting
Origin: [Tiree]
Category: Eòin Thiriodh / Birds of Tiree
eun dubh an sgadain: guillemot.
Origin: Glasgow/South Uist? or South Uist, Kildonan or South Uist, Garrynamonie or South Uist or Skye, Bernisdale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
eàrlaigeadh: [ᵉɑ:ʴliɡʹəɣ] Quot.: an eàrlaigeadh. Note: the chan. [?] [NOTES: the turned r used for the symbol which is unclear in the original.]
Location: Harris, Quidinish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
eàrra: [eɑ:rə] Quot.: Tha eàrra mhór air an aodann aige. Note: a scar. Also applied to the grooves in a barrel where the top and bottom are inserted. (Eàrradh.)
Origin: Carloway, Doune
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
eàrrlais: [ȷɑ:ʴliʃ] Quot.: “Bhiodh clann-nighean a’ sgadain a’ faighinn eàrrlais mas tòisicheadh iad ag obair.” Note: an advance payment, say 10/-, before starting work on the herring. [NOTES: the turned r used for the symbol which is unclear in the original.]
Origin: Carloway, Doune
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
eàrrlaiseachadh: engaged, ordered. (Gairm. an Ge. 52. p. 18.)
Location: ? [Eriskay – see below]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
eòlach: Quotation: Bha e cho eòlach ’s a bha ’m brìdean ’s an tràigh.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
eòrna: Quotation: tigh an eòrna. Notes: the grain loft in distilleries.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
eòrna: 1. Sùgh an eòrna – barley water. 2. Brochan eòrna – barley gruel. ‘Eòrna’ was
always associated with kidney or bladder trouble. Disease: in the list as above [i.e.
infections, retaining water, cystitis, stones in kidney or bladder, discoloured urine]. How
prepared: 1. Simply drinking it after infusion. 2. Mixed into paste with a taste of salt.
Sources of information: locally informed generally.
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Blàthan-Leighis / Medicinal Plants
eòrna ceithir sreathan (or eòrna mór): ’se sin a bu mhotha a bha iad a’ cur an Tiriodh. Also for feeding and for making barley bread and barley porridge – brochan. Also used for malting.
Origin: Tiree
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
fabhag: the octopus species of fish. Ink-fish – it squirts an inkish liquid as a (so to speak) smoke-screen. [SLIP: A species of octopus (squirts an inky substance out).]
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
fabhar: peep. (pronounced unaccented). Gabhail fabhar air an tigh – old time phrase. [SLIP: A peep, look (out of use now).]
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris,Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
fabhfagan: [fɤ:fɑkən] squids (sùil-an-tòin).
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
fabhtas: [fɑu̟t̪əs] Quot.: “Tha fabhtas as an fhiodh sin.” Note: fault, debility.
Origin: [Caversta]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Facail ann an ainmeannan: [loose page]
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Cruth na Tìre / Landscape Features
faclaich: vb. ‘pronounce’: tha e glè dhuilich dhut sin a chur a-mach dìreach an dòigh bu chòir dhut, ’ fhaclachadh a-mach an dòigh bu chòir dhut
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
fad: n. ‘length’: bha e ceithir cheud is dà fhichead troigh a dh’fhad; ’s ann aire sin ’ bha mise ’g obair fh. ’s a bha mi shìos; mholadh e thu ~ an òrain
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
fad: Quotation: Bha mi aige fad, fìnn, foinneach [fonʹɑx] an latha. Notes: I was at it the whole day.
Origin: Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
fad: nn ‘length’: bha i mu chòig troighean a dh'fh.; ceud troigh a dh’fh. Innte; dhèanainnsa barrachd ann an uair ‘s __ nì iad seo am ~ latha
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
fad: Quot.: “Fad, fìnn shuaimhneach an latha.” Note: all day long. (Put also under finn [sic] [fĩ:nʹ].)
Origin: [Ness]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
fada: adj. ‘long’: chan eil e uamhasach ~ bho bha e ann; bha e uamhasach ~ an aghaidh an liquor ‘antagonistic’
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
faicilleach: adj. ‘careful’: ‘s e an duine ‘ dh’fheumadh a bhith ~ dè theireadh e
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
failbhean: Quotation: An duine bhios a bhara air falbh, cha shuidh e ach air failbhean corrach. Notes: v. Matheson, An Clàrsair Dall, pp. 209, 227.
Origin: Lewis, Ness
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
faileas: [fɑlɑs] Quotation: Bha faileasan gu leòir ann an raoir. Notes: sheet-lightning.
Origin: Assynt, Stoer
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
failm: Quotation: an fhailm. Notes: helm of a boat.
Location: Tiree, [Caolas? – one slip]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
faineach: truthfully. “Dh’innis an duine e gu faineach dha.”
Location: North Uist, Grimsay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
faing (I): Tha seo againn ann an ainm àiteachan. Tha dhà dhiubh ’s a bhaile againn.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Cruth na Tìre / Landscape Features
faing an Dupi (pron. an’uppi): dipping [fank].
Location: [Lewis], Arnol
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
faing an duppaidh: fanking.
Origin: [the questionnaire gives Ross and Cromarty but it is most probably meant as the county not origin]
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
faing an rusgaidh: fanking.
Origin: [the questionnaire gives Ross and Cromarty but it is most probably meant as the county not origin]
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
faire: Quotation: Chan fhaic mi fàireadh air an dràsda. Notes: I don’t see a sight of him just now.
Location: Skye, Harlosh
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
faireagan: an insect which lodged in the back of cattle. Could be ringworm? [NOTES: corrected to ‘fàireagan’.]
Origin: Uibhist a Tuath [North Uist]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
fairich: vb ‘hear; notice; observe’ : past: dh’fh. e fàladh am bush; dh’fhairich mise duine ‘ gràdhainn; cond.: fairgheamaid blas [ɔ] na clòimhe oirre; vbl nn: ‘s gun e ‘ fairghinn ‘o math;
bha an driver a’ fairghinn seo neònach; tha mi ‘ creidsinn gu bheil iad ‘ faireachdainn na h-ùine fada [FMM]
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
fairig: [fɑɾiɡʹ] Quotation: “Bha i ga fairigeadh fhéin as an allt.” Notes: bitch splashing about in the burn to clean herself. See Dw.
Origin: Bunloit
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
fairis: Quotation: A’ mùin ’s an aon fhaochaig, cha bhi i fada gun dol fairis. Notes: said of two people who are very friendly for a time. fairis – thairis?
Origin: North Uist
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
falair (I): (’Se “alair” a chanadh iadsan.) Bha an fhalair air sgur mus robh cuimhne aig m’ athair. Bha lorg aige air bodadh Uigeach a bha ag radh ri a mhac a’ dol a mach do an t-saoghal air a cheann fhéin a’ cheud uair, “A nise ma thig duine ort a thaobh athar no màthar, biodh mart na h-alair agad”. Bha cuimhne aig m’ athair uair no dhà nuair a bha e ’na dhuine òg, a bhìth aig tiodhlacadh agus biodh ’ga thoirt seachad.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Bàs is Adhlacadh / Death and Burial
falaraidh: applied to refreshments after a burial whether it be at the cemetery, in the deceased’s house or at an [sic] hotel.
Location: South Uist, Peninerine
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
falbhan: Quotation: cas-an-fhalbhain. Notes: something given on loan which goes its rounds in a village.
Origin: Skye
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
fallaid: [fɑɫidʹ] Quotation: an fhallaid. Notes: meal or flour on a kneading board.
Origin: North Uist
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
falmadair: part of rudder held in your hand. ‘An fhuilm’ in South Uist.
Location: North Uist, Grimsay, Ceannaraigh
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
famhair: Quotation: Na biodh [fjuʔəs] agad ri famhair [fɛfəɾ] a nead dròlan. Notes: Don’t expect a giant out of a wren’s nest. [NOTES: RÓM: fɛfəɾ looks like an Islay form. Feb. 2012.]
Location: [see below]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
fang: put into position where the creature can be caught; an enclosure process of getting old [sic] [hold?] of any creature. From ‘faing’, fank.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
fanga: Bodach eile, bha e ’n a dhuine nuair a bha m’athair òg (rugadh m’athair ann an 1860), ’se ‘fanga’ a chanadh e ri ‘suincear’ (sinker).
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Fangh: Bidh an sgiobair a’ toirt nan òrdughan. Nuair a bhios e air son luib a thoirt air an lion bheag ceanglaidh e clach no cuideam beag ri druim an lin ach an lub an lion gu cothromach air a’ ghrunn. ’Se ‘fangh’ a tha air a’ chuideam so. (Fangh, a vey nasal ‘n’.) Nuair a theid an dubhan ma dheireadh a mach tha earball an lin sin air a cheangal ri earball seasg na cruaide [sic], is a chruaidh ’sam puta ga thilgeil a mach.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
Fannadh: Nuair a bhuaileas a’ chruaidh tha an dithis a tha air an ràmh a’ toirt fannadh do’n eathar – sin gluasad socair. Cha bhi i ag iarraidh moran de neart iomraidh co dhiù oir tha i a’ ruith ann an sruth na tide mhara. “Cha robh fiu fannadh againn.” Sin a their fear a chaidh a ghlacadh a muigh le sheòl is thainig feath nan eun air ’sa sheol ’sa dhruim ris a chrann.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
fannaich: Quotation: Bha mi go fannachadh leis an t-acras. Notes: weaken.
Location: Lewis, Barvas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
fannlag (I): Duine gun mhóran neart ann, duine beag an cumantas. “Cha robh dad a dh’fheum unnda idir. Fannlagan a bh’unnda.” [SLIP: Usually a small, weak man.]
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Nàdur an Duine / Personality
faobhag: Common squid. Tha deich spàgan orra-san no dha a muigh na’s motha na càch is an gob aig na dha sin na’s leotha. Nuair a bhios sgaoth dhuibh-san [sic] timchioll nan creag chan fhaigh an t-iasgair moran éisg.
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness, Lionel
Category: Maorach / Shellfish
faobhaich: [fɤ:viç] Quot.: “Tha an t-àite air fhaobhachadh.” Note: used in general of a place being cleaned out, e.g. a bay of fish.
Origin: [Lewis], Arnol
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
faochag: Quotation: “A’ mùin ’s an aon fhaochaig, cha bhi i fada gun dol fairis.” Notes: said of two people who are very friendly for a time.
Origin: North Uist
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
faochag: Quotation: Là Fheill Brìghde brisgeanach, thig an ceann de’n chaitinneach, buinnich an fhaochag air a’ bhàirneach, agus thig nighean Iomhair as an toll.
Origin: Islay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
faochag smeòraich: Faochag iomadh dhathach mu mheud faochag dhubh mhor, ach nach eil i cho cruinn ri faochag dhubh – dealrach mar ‘mother of pearl’. Cha chuala mi an t-ainm air na Lochan no an Uig, ach chuala mi anns an Rudha e, agus thug na Nisich dhomh e. Tha iad fearasda am briseadh is bidh na smeòraich gan togail ’s gam briseadh le’n guib is gan itheadh.
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness, Lionel
Category: Maorach / Shellfish
faodhaich: [ˈfɤiç] Quotation: Bha an tràigh air a faodhachadh [ˈfɤɑxəɣ]. Notes: made barren (of seaweed, shellfish, etc.).
Location: Lewis, Barvas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
faodhail (I): (Faic na faclairean.) Tha seo againn, grunnan dhiubh. Agus ann an Crabhlastadh againn fhìn, tha ‘ruith-fhaodhail’ [q.v.].
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Cruth na Tìre / Landscape Features
faoileag: Quotation: faoileag a’ tighinn air an fhairge. Notes: white tops on the waves.
Location: Coll, Sorrisdale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
faoileag an sgadain: herring gull.
Origin: Glasgow/South Uist? or South Uist, Kildonan or South Uist, Garrynamonie or South Uist or Skye, Bernisdale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
faoileann: Quotation: faoileann an droch chladaich. Notes: no matter how poor the place in which a person is born and bred, he will always return to it.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
faoilinn: Faoilinn Na Tràghad aig Crabhlastadh agus Baile na Cille. ’Se aodann a bhios an seo. Tha faoilinn na h-Airde Bige a muigh aig an Aird Bhig fhéin faisg air An Sgarp.

Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Cruth na Tìre / Landscape Features
faoilte: delight. “’S e an duine an t-aodach is am fhaoilte am biadh.”
Location: Inverness
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
far: prep. ‘: bha e air a chur ~ na [fɛ nə] h-oibreach; chan eil e ~ [fɛr] seventy-five; thòisich na h-eich ' dol ~ [fɛr] an rathaid; chaidh an car aige ~ [fɛr] an rathaid; na
geamhraichean, sin agad ~ a bheil an stoirm ghàbhaidh
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
faradh: nam biodh cearcan os cionn a’ chruidh mar bu tric a bha iad “air an fharadh”.
Origin: Geàrrloch (Loch Iubh) [Gairloch (Loch Ewe)]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
farchluais: [fɑɾxɫɤʃ] Quot.: “Bha e a’ farchluais air cùl an doruis.” Note: eavesdropping.
Origin: [Barvas]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
farghram: pios a thathar a cuir ris an druim i.e. a dheanamh nas duimhne.
Location: [Harris], Leverburgh
Category: Togail Bhàtaichean / Boat-Building
fargnaich: [fɑɾɑɡṉĩç] Quot.: “Dh’fhargnaich iad an grunn eisge.” Note: empty, clear out.
Origin: Crowlista
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
fargradh: an account of an incident; a report.
Location: South Uist, Stoneybridge
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
fartic: when someone is put under a lot of pressure. “Thug e fartic air Seumas an oidhch’ eile.”
Location: Benbecula, Muir of Aird
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
fasdadh: Quotation: Ghabh mi fasdadh aig an tuathanach. Notes: employment with a kind of contract or agreement involved. Pay promised might be in kind – potatoes, meal, etc.
Location: Skye, Sleat, Calligary
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
fathann: a report or rumour maybe. “Chuala mi fathann air an sin an diugh.”
Location: South Uist, Lochcarnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
feachaireachd: Quotation: Là na feachaireachd. Thug e an fheachaireachd aisde. Notes: April Fools’ Day.
Location: Barra, Northbay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
feadag: Quotation: an fheadag [əŋẹdɑɡ]. Notes: the green plover. Said to whistle 24 hours before a storm.
Location: Ross of Mull
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
feadag (an fheadag): [fe̱d̪ɑ̟ɡ]
Location: North Argyll
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
feadan: Ann an sobhal – fosgladh anns a’ bhalla aig a’ cheann mu choinneamh an doruis; mu ochd òirlich dheug gach taobh gu sruth gaoithe a dhèanamh; seo airson càthadh.
Origin: [Barra]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
feadan (E): “Crevice through which the wind whistles” aig Dwelly (6.). Againne faodaidh mi a ràdh fosgladh de’n t-seòrsa aig cnuic. Agus tha am facal beò fhathast ’s a’ chòmhradh chumanta. ’S aithne dhomh a dhà ’s an nàbachd, ann an ainmeannan.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Cruth na Tìre / Landscape Features
feadh: prep. ‘throughout’: ~ an taigh; ~ an t-saoghail; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;bhiodh i ‘ cur a’ ghille seo a-mach ~ na h-oidhche; bidh mi ~ [fe͜o] an t-saoghail; na skidoos a
bhios ~ nam bailtean
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
feadh, air ~: prep. ‘throughout’: air ~ an t-saoghail
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
feadhainn: nnf. ‘people’: bheir sibh siud don t-eadhainn bheag [d´ɛu-iɲ veg]; ‘people’: taosg mòr do dh’fheadhainn [jɛuɲ]; tha ~ ann … do dh’fh. òga; an fh. òga
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
feala: goal. An old reference to a goal, the word isn’t in use now. It was used by boys when engaged in the ‘iomain’ sport or shinty to signify a goal. [SLIP: Goal – used to be used by boys playing shinty.]
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
feamain chirein: Quotation: an fheamain chirein [ənɛəmẹ˖nʹ çi̜rʹɑ̣˖nʹ]. Notes: serrated wrack. [NOTES: slipped under ‘feamainn chirein’.]
Location: Ross of Mull
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
feamainn: Quotation: an fheamainn dubh. Notes: black seaweed with bubbles on it.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
feamainn: Quot.: “an fheamainn charraicean”. Note: Irish moss. (Put also under carraicean [kɑrɑcɑ̃ṉ].)
Origin: Ness
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
feamainn bhuidhe: Notes: this kind [of seaweed] has globules with an oily substance inside.
Location: Harris
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
feamainn chìoran, feamainn chìreadh: channel wrack (Pelvetia canaliculata). Even spongier than caraichein [sic – caraichdein above] [q.v]. Dorcha-buidhe. Bha iad ’ga truisneachadh airson leigheas crodh air an robh tart. Gheobhadh tu i air na creagan mar a bha an làn ìseal.
Origin: Tiree
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
feamanadh: excessive kindness. “Bha e an sud a sior fheamanadh a mach airgiod do dhaoine eile.”
Location: South Uist, South Boisdale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
feanadh: Quotation: a’ feanadh [əɸɛ̱ṉəɣ]. Notes: skinning an animal.
Location: Ross of Mull
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
feannadh: a “feannadh” na monadh. Be so a bhi a rùsgadh a phuill mhonadh gus an ruigadh tu a mhòine.
Location: South Uist, Peninerine
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
feanntach: Quotation: an fheanntach; ceap feanntaich. Notes: turf layer (peat).
Location: North Uist, Bayhead, Kylis
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
fear: Quotation: Uill, fhearaibh, nach eil sin cianail! Notes: used sometimes almost as an exclamation.
Location: Lewis, Barvas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
fear: Quotation: Am fear a bhios ag éisdeachd cùl an doruis cha chluinn e nì math mu thimchioll féin.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
fear: Quotation: an fhear [än ɛ̜r]. Notes: the one, the man.
Location: Ross of Mull
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
fear (no té) anns a’ bhac: a’ breith air na fàdan (nam fòd) agus gan sgaoileadh gu h-àrd (leis a’ chiad fhàd) agus gu h-ìseal (leis an dara no ’n treas fàd). Chan fhaca mise tric barrachd air dà fhàd de dhoimhneachd.
Origin: Camaschros an sgìre Shléite san Eilean Sgitheanach [Skye, Camus Chroise]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
fear an iaruinn (fear air an iaruinn): man operating the cutter.
Location: Harris, Tarbert
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
fear coimhead an ionmhais: treasurer.
Origin: [the questionnaire gives Ross-shire but it is most probably meant as the county not origin]
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
fear-an-tigh-sholuis: light keeper.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
fear-coimhead ionmhais an t-seasoin na ionmhasair a choimh-thionail: Location: Arran, Pirnmill
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
Fear-Ionad an Easbuig: Episcopal Vicar.
Location: South Uist, Daliburgh
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
fear-thalmhanna: nn ‘yarrow(?)’: luibh eile ann leis an can iad an fh.
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
feara-dhruim: [fɛɾɑɣɤ̃m] Note: an additional piece added on to the keel of a boat.
Location: Harris, Quidinish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
fearg: nn f. ‘anger’: chuireadh e an fh. orra; tha spionnadh ann an cù nan gabhadh e an fh. ‘ cunnartach
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
fearna: Quotation: an fhearna [ən ɛɛrnə]. Notes: the alder tree, gives a black dye.
Location: Ross of Mull
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
fearsaid: Quotation: an fhearsaid [ən ɛərsẹdʹ]. Notes: spindle for twisting wool.
Location: Ross of Mull
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
fearsanaich: cnapan beaga air druim a chruidh, b’ann an còmhnuidh air crodh fallain a bhiodh
seo.
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Blàthan-Leighis / Medicinal Plants
feasd: Quotation: Cha bhi an t-sùil am feasd [əfɛsd̪] an rud a bhà i. Notes: ever.
Origin: Bunloit
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
feasgainn: [fɛsɡĩnʹ] Notes: an eel.
Location: Sutherland, Portskerra
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
feathladair: [fiɑɫəd̪ɑɾ] Quotation: “Agus ciamar a tha am feathladair an diugh?” Notes: Heard an old gamekeeper say this to him once when enquiring about his father, who was a stalker.
Origin: Camusluanie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
feisd: Quotation: “Leig e bhó bh’air an fheisd.” – He let the cow of the tether. Feisd na bà buidhe. – The tether of the yellow cow.
Origin: West Lewis [the location given on the slips]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
feitheamh: vbl. n. ‘expect; wait’: forerunners -- ò, ma dh’fhaodte gu robh iad ann an uair ud, ach chan eil duine a’ ~ ris a sin an-diugh
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
feitheamh an fhòid: said when the cutter is too slow.
Location: Harris, Tarbert
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
fersaid (-ean): iron straps stretching between the above [i.e. na fuaindean (q.v.)]. In an average plough there would be between two and four of these. Acted as reinforcements.
Location: North Uist, Iollaraigh [Illeray]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
fersunnan: worril [sic], on cattle on or in the skin. An ointment of soothing effect was applied. (Already noted.)
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
feuch: Quotation: a feuchainn an dòrnaig. Notes: putting the shot.
Location: Lewis, Barvas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
feudalach: n.‘beast’ : feudalaich, they’re young cattle, cows and horses;bidh gu leòr agaibh air an t-sím seo bliadhna dha na feudalaich?
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
feum: nn ‘good, use’: ach bha i math an union nuair a thàinig i, rinn i feum; dh’atharraich an saoghal bhuaithe sin, air a shon sin, agus bha feum gu na dh’atharraich; cha ro rinn e sian
do dh’fheum dhi; chan eil sian do dh’fh. sa chànan acasan dhutsa, ‘s no leis a’ Ghàidhlig againn dhaibhsan [FMM]
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
feumaidh: Quotation: “Feumaidh e bhith gur h-e gainmheach a th’ann.” Notes: said when discussing the oitir. “It is necessary that it be of sand” i.e. to be an oitir.
Location: Skye, Breakish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
feumail: adj. ‘useful’: an toiseach ‘s e an duine b’ fhoghainnich’ a bh’ ann, ‘s e sin an duine b’ fheumaile [FMM]
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
feumanach: Quotation: ’S fhada làmh an fheumanaich.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
feurachd: [fiɑɾɑxk] Quotation: Tha an crodh a feurachd. Notes: cropping the grass.
Location: Skye, Glasnakille
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Feusag an fheusgain: Na gaoisdean laidir a tha ga cheangal ris an sgeir.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
feòil-réisg: Quotation: Doilidh Frógaidh’s prayer: “Cuimhnich air an fheadhainn a tha tinn, air a réisgeadh suas air na leapannan.” Notes: hard dried meat. (Also f.-réisgidh (?)) Dw. has reisgeadh ‘hanging of fish or flesh up to dry (Suth’d)’.
Location: Lewis
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
feòrlaigean: Quotation: An toir mi leam cliabh a dh’iarraidh feòrlaigean? Notes: Much ado about nothing! Do I need a creel to carry a dormouse?
Origin: West Lewis [the location given on the slips]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
feòrlan: [fjɔ:rd̪ɑṉ] Quotation: Chaidh an fheannag do’n tràigh is mharbh i ’m partan, [əviʔə] muir làn mharbh i seachd dhiubh, chuir i cas air an tigh mhóir agus cas air a chaisteal, spùt i bolla eòrna agus [fjɔ:rd̪ɑṉ]. Notes: bushel.
Origin: Islay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
fhaileag an sgadan: [sic] herring gull.
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
fheusaidh ?: see the song Ailein Duinn o hi shiublainn leat in ‘Sinclars’ [sic] [Sinclair’s?] Oranaiche, attributed to Nighean fear Scalpaigh: the song, or a line in the song says Cha b’e call a’ chruidh ’s an fheusaidh? I am wondering is it a corruption? Or should it be Cha b’e call a’ chruidh ’s a’ chéiteinn. I haven’t heard the word being used on Scalpay, and I am wondering… When you’ll get time to look it up, perhaps you may be able to have a definition for it?
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Fhuair e an fhuar bhuile: a deadly blow.
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
fiacail: [fıɤxkılʹ] Quotation: Tha fiacail anns an àirde tuath. Notes: a short length of rainbow said to indicate an imminent storm. (Usually seen to the north – DMM.)
Origin: Glenurquhart
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
fiach: n. ‘debt’: bhiodh fiach airgid agad an-diugh
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
fiachadh: Quotation: Cha d’fhuair e fiachadh ann. Notes: an invitation.
Location: Skye, Breakish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
fiachadh an rathaid mhóir: second hand invite.
Location: South Uist, Frobost
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
fiaclan-an-t-sèicil: teeth of the winder in the spinning wheel.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
fiadhnais: nn f. 'evidence': gu robh ~; chan eil fhios aig duine aire sin ach an fh. a bh’ agam
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
fiarag (-an): heather ropes used for securing thatch. Would be attached so that they formed a diamond pattern.
Location: South Uist, Milton
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
fiasag an fhiasgain: Tha an fhiasag so a’ ceangal an fhiasgain ri na sgeirean is tha e doirbh a bhuain.
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness, Lionel
Category: Maorach / Shellfish
fiasag nan gobhar: a weather indicator similar to ‘breacadh an runnaich’ previously described. Followed by rainy weather.
Location: South Uist, Stoneybridge
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
fiasgan: Mussel. Tha pailteas de dh’fhiasgain gun taisealadh airson biadhaidh ann an Nis, air an Taobh Siar is anns an Rudha. ’S ann air na Lochan ’san Uig a tha fiasgain a ni biadhadh lin bheaga. Nuair a bhiodh moran eathraichean ag iasgach nan adag a mach a Port-nan-guran le lion bheaga bhiodh na h-iasgairean a’ dol le na h-eathraichean gu Tir Mór, chun na Lochan is do’n Eilean Sgitheanach air tòir luchd fhiasgan a chumadh a’ dol iad fad a’ gheamhraidh ’san Earraich. Bhiodh iad gan cumail ann an lùin anns an tràigh.
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness, Lionel
Category: Maorach / Shellfish
fiasgan geal: ’Se slige bhòidheach ghorm shleamhuinn a tha air an fhiasgan gheal, ach is e biadh geal a th’annta. Tha am biadh so blasda agus is ann am miosan an t-samhraidh a bhitear ga ithe. Tha e pailt ann an Uig, air na h-eileanan beaga am beul Loch Roag.
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness, Lionel
Category: Maorach / Shellfish
fiathaich: Quotation: “Nach fiathaich an dol air agaidh [sic] seo.” Notes: “What a carry-on this is.”
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
fideag: Notes: Taod air a cheangal mu chas deiridh beothaich ann an eathar.
Origin: Kilmaluag
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
fidealag: waste pipe. Word originates from similar device on an old pottery kiln which carried out the dregs after making pottery.
Location: North Uist, Sollas, Malagleit [Malaglate]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
fidileir: Quot.: “Fidileir fotharlanach gun fhios có agad na bhuat e.” Note: duine an-fhoiseil, bheag stòlaidh.
Origin: Swainbost
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
fifeannach: Quotation: Tha a’ chloinn [xw[oi]ṉ] gu math fifeannach [fifən̪əx]. Notes: nervousness, e.g. of children who are in an excited state. Possibly derived from ‘féitheach’. Used by Barra people. Source: Cape Breton. Date: 1967.
Location: [see below]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
figeann: [fıɡən̪] Quotation: an fhigeann. Notes: fingernail. [fĩ:nʹə] also used. Pl. [fıɡən̪əṉ]; [fĩ:nʹəṉ].
Location: Tiree, Heylipool [sic]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
figheachan: Quot.: Bhiodh iad a deanamh figheachan air an t-snàth ’n deidh a dheilbh.
Location: Harris, Quidinish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
figheadair: Note: applied to an insect (spider?) which used to be put on the palm of the hand by kids. It had to leave a drop of liquid before it was released. Children thought it was honey.
Location: Harris, Quidinish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
filleag (-an): nowadays this is used in the sense of a wrapper. Also used to mean thin garments which did nothing to keep one warm.
Location: North Uist, Iollaraigh [Illeray]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
fineach: (Fuaimnich ‘fionach’ – seo mar tha e againne.) Tha seo againn airson duine mar tha seo shuas [i.e. ain-diadhach]. Duine gun dia mar gu’n canadh tu, heathen. Faic ‘fineachail’ ag Dwelly. “Domhnull Mór ’se fineach a th’ann.” “’Se fineach a th’ann an Calum Ruadh.” [SLIP: Atheist.]
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Nàdur an Duine / Personality
finn: Quotation: fad finn shuaineach an latha. Notes: the live-long day.
Location: Skye, Strath
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
finneagan an fheòir (f): [weevils?]
Origin: Tiree
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
fiodh: Quotation: fiodh thar an t-sàbh. Notes: wood straight from the saw.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
fiodhan: Fiodhan agus an gruth ann airson mulchag a dhèanamh (cudthrom air muin a’ chinn): [see illustration]. Bho a thaobh: [see illustration]. Ceann an fhiodhain: [see illustration]. Tiuigheadan fiodha airson an fhiodhain: [see illustration].

Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Leabhar Deilbh / Drawing Book
fiofanach: [fwfɑṉɑx] Quotation: “Tha a’ chloinn gu math fiofanach an diugh.” Notes: nervous, skittish.
Location: Canada, Christmas Island
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
fionnarachadh: Quotation: fionnarachadh an fheasgair.
Location: Skye, Portree
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
fionnaradh: Quotation: Anns an fhionnaraidh. Notes: understood as being roughly the time between nightfall and bed-time.
Location: Lewis, Barvas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Fionnladh: Quotation: an òrdag, a’ cholbhag, Fionnladh fada, Mac an Aba, [u̜i:dʒʹɑɡ].
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
fios: nn ‘message; special knowledge’: chaidh ~ air a’ bhoireannach seo èirigh [FMMaclellan]; chuir iad ~ gu robh sagart bhuaipe [DAG]; chuir sinn an sin ~ thuige __ air an telephone;
nach robh iad a’ gràdhainn gu bheil ~ aca, aig na Gypsies?; ghabh sinn ~ bhuaibh ann am Beurla; ò, tha fh. gu bheil iad cunnartach
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
fitheach: Quotation: Ged stuth eun an fhithich e, is geal na sùilean fhein e.
Location: Islay, Port Wemyss
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
fiuchdanach: (adj) having fasteners. Bha feuchdanan [sic] dha dhùnadh. Bha aghaidh a phios aodaich bh’oirre feuchdanach [sic]. [NOTES: originally the headword was spelled ‘feuchdanach’ just like the words in the two examples. Then it was corrected to ‘fiuchdanach’ but the two examples were left unchanged, possibly through an oversight.]
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
fiuchdanaich: grip fastening. Bha feuchdanaich [sic] dha dhùnadh. – as garment, row of grip fasteners fastening it. [NOTES: originally the headword was spelled ‘feuchdanaich’ just like the word in the example. Then it was corrected to ‘fiuchdanaich’ but the example was left unchanged, possibly through an oversight.]
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
fiughair: Quotation: (1) Bha fiughair agam ris an raoir. (2) Dé a bha fiughair agad ris? Notes: (1) I expected him last night. (2) What were you expecting? (H. Meek) Also Rinn e fiughair ris: He showed pleasure at seeing him.
Location: Tiree, Cornaigbeg
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
fleitige: Notes: Taod air a cheangal ri ceann beothaich anns an eathar – g’ an ceangal ris an taobh-stock.
Origin: Kilmaluag
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
fliuch bhòrd: chead bhord a dol ris an druim – keel board.
Location: [Harris], Leverburgh
Category: Togail Bhàtaichean / Boat-Building
float: ’S e facal Niseach a tha so, is cha chuala mi an t-ainm air an inneal giulain so ach an Nis fhein. ’S e bara-cuibhle fosgailte a th’ann gun chliathaichean no deireadh air, is bheir e leis an t-uamhas do mhoine. Mar as tric ’se cuibhle ‘motor-bicycle’ leis an ‘tyre’ a bhios air, agus tha e math air rathad bog.

Location: Lewis, Port of Ness
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
flodag: Fhuair mi an t-ainm so a Cros, Dail-o-Thuath is Eòropaidh, ach ’se daoine a Cros a phòs sios do Eòropaidh aig a bheil e sin. ’S e flodag an t-ainm a bhiodh aca air an t-slige chreachain leis am biodh iad a’ togail an uachdair bho’n bhainne.
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness, Lionel
Category: Maorach / Shellfish
flodraich: Tarmod air tighinn leis a’ chliabh-mhònach agus e ag obair air an trinnsear lite. Flodraich air bainne aig leis an lite. (An lite a’ snàmh ann.)
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
flèirichean (plural): embroidery. Dé na flèirichean a bha ris an aid aice.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
flùir an t-sagairt: Northern monkshood.
Location: Mull [see below for details]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
fo laidh: Secure, e.g. an d’fhuair thu an t-arbhar fo laidh.
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
fo thearmad: in an asylum.
Location: South Uist, Lochcarnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
fochann: Quotation: “Bha fochann a’ bhàis ’na aodann.” (Catriona Mhór) Notes: cf. Silva Gad. 234 “bad fochonn báis doib” – it would be an occasion of death to them. Any connection between these usages? Not in Dw.
Location: Lewis
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
fodair: Quotation: bonaid an fhodair. Notes: Said of a person who went from house to house in the spring to collect fodder. They would say “Tha bonaid an fhodair air.”
Origin: Benbecula
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
foghain: nn ‘courage’: tha fhios agaibh pèin am ~ a bha aig an easpaig
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
foghar: Quotation: … ’s gun biodh e handaidh anns an [jɔˈər]. Notes: ‘Foghar’.
Origin: Loch Tay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
foghnadh: Quotation: Foghnaidh an Saoghal dhuit! – The world is one too many for you! More than enough. “Dh’ fhoghainn sud dha.” – That finished him.
Origin: West Lewis [the location given on the slips]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
foidhreachd: [fɔıɾɑxk] Quot.: “Tha e air an fhoidhreachd.” “Tha e air falbh a’ ruith na foidhreachd.” Note: going from house to house begging.
Origin: [Lewis], Arnol
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
foidseach: an article thrown carelessly.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
foidseach: an item thrown in a forceful manner, or an article thrown likewise.
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
foileag: Note: te a’ sàs an obair tighe. “De a tha thu a’ cur air adhart?” “Chaneil, a’ ghraidh, ach a’ foileadh ’s a’ riasladh.”
Origin: Swainbost
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
foileigean: [fɔlɛɡʹɛṉ] Quotation: Ciamar a tha thu an diugh a’ foileigean. Notes: a pet term for a small boy.
Location: Skye, Harlosh
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
foinneach: [fonʹɑx] Quotation: Bha mi aige fad, fìnn, foinneach an latha. Notes: I was at it the whole day.
Origin: Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
foireinidh: [fɔɾˈɛ̃ṉi] Quot.: “’S ann aige a tha a’ [fɔɾˈɛ̃ṉi] air an airgiod.” Note: equivalent of “’S ann aige a tha ’n cothrom air an airgiod.” (Note that stress is on the second syllable – said just like “for any”.)
Origin: [Ness]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
foirtheann: [fɔɾɑhɑṉ] Quotation: Tha i air an fhoirtheann [ɔɾɑhɑṉ]. Notes: “It is slack-water.” The period between high and low water when there is no current in a strait.
Location: Tiree, [Caolas? – one slip]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
folaireamh: an account of bill which has to be paid.
Origin: ‘Islay connections’
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
folc: an ill-natured person.
Location: North Uist, Iollathraigh [Illeray]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
fonn: Quot.: “Dé ’n gnothaich a th’aige bhi stàirsneachd [q.v.] air mo chuid-sa fonn?” Note: land. Also: “Chan fhaca mi air an fhonn an diugh e.” – didn’t see him in the vicinity today.
Origin: [Barvas]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
foodlan: swivel. (Stoer, Assynt) The “foodlan” is usually an oblong piece of hard wood 4" x 2" x ½" (bigger for cattle) with two holes. The tether threaded through each hole from different side with an overhand knot on each rope, thus revolving in the “foodlan”. The modern iron swivel was merely called “sweevil”.
Origin: Assynt, Stoer
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
fora-dhruim: an additional plank to the keel, in depth.
Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
foradh: a surprise find. “Nach tu a fhuair a foradh air a’ chladach an dè.”
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
forbhais: [fɔrɔiʃ] Notes: seeking out information in an indirect way.
Location: Skye, Breakish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
forca-shiubhail: B’e seo seòrsa de chàrn-slaoid a bhiodh aig na balaich airson cluiche leis. Agus cha b’ann a’ cluiche leis sin t-seadh sin a bhitheadh, ach a’ faighinn làn toileachadh agus mór-thoilinntinn as. Bha iad ’g a dheanamh de chlàr baraille, no leth-bharaille, mar bu trice fiodh anns an robh lùbadh mar ann an clàir baraille. Ann an cumadh bha e rudeigin mar seo: [see illustration]. Bhiodh e fada agus mór gu leòir airson gu’n suidheadh balach ann. Dheadh iad suas gu mullach cnoc glas feòir anns am biodh leathad mór cas, agus leigeadh iad a nuas an fhorca leis an leathad agus fear mu seach’n a bhroinn. Bhiodh iad a’ deanamh am forca sleamhuinn le bhith a’ suathadh liughag feamann ris. Leis mar a bha na bùird de’n robh e dèanta air an laghadh, cha deidheadh an t-sròn aige do an talamh uair sam bith.

Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Leabhar Deilbh / Drawing Book
forca-shiubhail (I): B’e seo seòrsa de chàrn-slaoid a bhiodh aca againne ro ar n-àm-ne. Dèanta de fhiodh. Clàir baraille anns a’ bhonn aige agus an còrr mar a thuigeas sibh. Gus a dheanamh sleamhuinn bhiodh na balaich a’ suathadh liaghag feamann(d) (feamad) ris. Abair gu’m falbhadh e an uair sin, agus abair gu’m falbhadh! Chan eil ainm àrraid sam bith agam airson nam pàirtean aige. Rinn mi-fhìn fear aca uaireigin, nuair a bha sinn òg, agus theab e ar cur as an rathad.

Origin: Leodhas [Lewis], Uig
Category: Cur-seachadan: Dèideagan, Geamaichean is Farpaisean / Recreation: Toys, Games, Contests
fortan: Quot.: “Fortan an cois an dòrtadh, pòsadh an cois a’ losgadh.”
Origin: Kershader
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
fortan: n. ‘fortune’: [nam] biodh tu ann an-diugh dhèanadh tu ~
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
fortan: Quotation: Fortan ann a lùib an dòrtaidh, ’s pòsadh ann a lùib a losgaidh.
Location: Lewis
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
fortan: nn ‘fortune’: an ainm an fhortain cha ghortaich mi sian;gun d’fhuair e am ~; ‘s toil aca am ~ ‘ innse dhaibh
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
fos cionn: prep. ‘above’: crosach ~ an àit’ againne; bha e fos ar cionn [fɔs ɛr ḱju:n̪]
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
fosagan [fɔsɑɡəṉ]: Notes: an old pair of thick socks used by people with sore feet (without shoes).
Location: Ross-shire, Achiltibuie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
fosgladh a’ phuill: ’S e so a’ toirt bearn air siobhadh air a’ charcus aig a’ cheann far an toisichear a’ buain, gus a ruith na fadan gu siùbhlach bho’n tairsgeir. Theid so a dheanamh le spaid no tairsgeir.
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
fothairidh: a revolution or rebellion. “Dìreach mar a bha fothairidh thall ’s an Fhraing.”
Location: North Uist, Iollathraigh [Illeray]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
frachd: [frɑxk] Quotation: [hɑ mi dut gɤs ən uɑrɑn ɔrn frɑxk bu:rn] “I’m going to the spring for a load of water.” Notes: a cearcall-load of water, i.e. 2 pails. Still well-remembered in Embo; recognized as an old-fashioned word in Golspie. Source: Mr and Mrs Kenneth MacKay, 16 Gate St., Embo. Date: spring 1968.
Location: Sutherland [see below]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
fraoch sgreuchain: Am fraoch a gheibh thu aig bun an fhraoich eile. E bàn agus tioram agus crìon. Agus gabhaidh ri teine gu brais. (Tha e anns na faclairean.) Cha leiginn a leas a bhith air am fear-sa chur sìos.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
fras: nn ‘seed’: ‘= sìol’: sin an rud a tha thu ‘ cur san talamh cuideachd
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
frasach: This was fixed on the wall and filled with hay which the sheep pulled through narrow slats and so avoiding waste. Set at an angle to the wall.

Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
frasach: praiseach (le stiall): an crodh Gàidhealach leis na h-adhaircean móra.
Origin: Geàrrloch (Loch Iubh) [Gairloch (Loch Ewe)]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
frasadh: the jump of an individual herring.
Location: [Harris], Scalpay
Category: Iasgach an Sgadain / Herring-Fishing
freagair: Quotation: Ma fhreagras an còta, cosd e.
Location: Islay, Port Wemyss
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
freagair: vb ‘answer’ : vbl nn.:cha b’ urrainn do dhuine an ùirne a fhreagairt ‘s càch a’ gàireachdainn [FMM]
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
freanadh: Quotation: “Feumaidh sinn an cù a leigeil a-steach ach an toir e franadh air an fheòil.” (Smith A about Dunfermline digs) “Thug siud freanadh air na bh’aige anns a’ bhanc.” (Keose) Notes: Bragar ‘franadh’. Not in Dw.
Location: Lewis
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
frithiasg (E): Tha na dhà-sa againn, ach ’se ‘soll’ as trice a bhios againn. (Frithiasg air fhuaimneachadh againne: ‘friasg’ mar ‘fri’ agus ‘asg’, ‘fri' asg’.) [SLIP 1: ‘soll’. Definition: Slat.] [SLIP 2: ‘frithiasg’. Definition: An aon seorsa slat ri ‘soll’ (q.v.).]
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
frithliosg (m): Is e sin a bha againn an comhnuidh air ‘baoiteag’ (biathadh). Bha na seann daoine a b’aithne dhomh an còmhnuidh cur smugaid air an deidh chur air an dubhan. [NOTES: the slip has the following note – ‘Check spelling, whether ‘o’ or ‘r’ after ‘f’’. It looks like ‘r’ to me.]
Origin: Geàrrloch (Loch Iubh) [Gairloch (Loch Ewe)]
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
frois: Quotation: “Sil, séid agus frois!” Notes: an expression of hopelessness. As if to say, “Nothing can be done now.”
Origin: Port Wemyss
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
froiseachan: [fɾɔʃɑxɑṉ] Quotation: “Chaneil sinn ach air an fhroiseachan an diugh.” Notes: (froiseachan: tied bundle of threshed corn) Said to a visitor who happened to come in at a mealtime when there wasn’t much to eat.
Origin: Tiree
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
froiseadh: (frois) beating. A’ froiseadh an t-sìl.
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
frotha: [=?] n. gìor … ris an canadh iad ~ [sounds like Eng. ‘fro’]
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Mira Co., Marion Bridge
Category: Word List
frucant: [fɾu̟kɑn̪t̪] Quot.: “Tha e a’ cumail gu frucant.” Note: usually used of an old man who is in reasonably good trim.
Origin: [Barvas]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
fruis: [fɾu̟ʃ] Quot.: “Chaidh e suas an rathad le fruis.” Note: at great speed.
Origin: [Ness]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
frìdeag: [fɾı:dʹɑɡ] Quotation: An òrdag, a’ sgròbag, Mairi fada, Mac an Aba, frìdeag. Notes: the little finger.
Location: Ross-shire, Achiltibuie, Alltan Dubh
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
fròghaidh: [fɾɔ:i] Quotation: (1) guth fròghaidh. (2) Tha a’ wireless cho fròghaidh an dràsda. Notes: (1) a hoarse voice (with a cold). (2) lack of clarity in the sound – full of interference, haziness.
Location: Skye, Harlosh
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
fuadain: Quotation: fiaclan fuadain – false teeth, foreign teeth. In Medical terms a “foreign body”. Sùil fuadain – a foreign body of an eye.
Origin: West Lewis [the location given on the slips]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Fuaimean a bhios daoine deanamh dhan toil agus dha aindheoin, fuaimean anns an stamaig, seòrasaichean gàire, eubh no guth: Location: Na Hearadh, Gòbhaig [Harris, Gobhaig]
Category: Faireachdain / Senses
fuaiteag (-an): a swivel used on a fishing line.
Location: South Uist, Lochcarnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
fuar: Quotation: a’ toirt a mach an dòrn fhuar. Notes: feat of strength tried when a cow was killed. One of the legs was caught near the hoof and twisted till it broke from the knee, then twisting was continued till the skin broke.
Origin: Uig, Lewis
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
fuar-dhealt: Note: emphasis on “fuar”. Can be seen sometimes in the very early morning on grass and potato leaves. Says it was colder than the usual dew and if it wasn’t away before the sun rose, “bhiodh am feur agus duilleagan a’ bhuntàta air an losgadh”.
Origin: [Lewis], Arnol
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
fuaradh: Quotation: Taobh an fhuaraidh. Tha a’ chulaidh air an fhuaradh an dràsd. Notes: weather side.
Location: Sutherland, Kinlochbervie, Oldshoremore
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
fuaradh: non stop, very talkative person. Cha deachaidh fuaradh air o thàinig sinn an seo an diugh – referring to a talkative person. (Scalpay)
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
fuarag: nn f.: ~, ‘cream and oatmeal’; dat.:bha meas gàbhaidh aige air an fhuaraig; bha e rèidh dhan fhuaraig
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
fuaran: used instead of the word ‘tobar’. An elaboration.
Location: South Uist, Milton
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
fuaran: nn 'well, spring’: bha ~ far am biodh iad a’ faighinn an uisge
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
fuarraidh: Quotation: taobh an fhuarraidh. Notes: the windward side.
Origin: West Lewis [the location given on the slips]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
fuasgail: vb ‘open, undo': past: dh’fh. esan an t-sreang a bh’ air a’ chù; vbl nn.: thuirt William Wallace riutha esan fh.
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
fuidhear, fuidhir: a fugitive, from one clan, who got sanctuary and livelihood (cattle, etc.) in territory of another clan. Unlike the saor-chlanna, who had rights that even the chief could not over-rule, he had no rights (daor-chlanna). Mac an fhuidhir (Macnair, Weir, etc.) sometimes made into Mac Iain Uidhir for reasons of snobbery.
Origin: [Strathglass]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
fuil, an fhuil: blood.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
fuinteag (-an): small buns, cakes.
Origin: ‘Islay connections’
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
fuirich: vb. ‘wait’: PAST: dh’fhuirich iad sin riamh nam inntinn; COND.: ann an seo bhathas a’ tighinn agus -- dh’fhuirgheadh ancrowd mòr, dh’fhuirgheadh an sluagh siud suas ri meadhan
oidhche, dh’fhuirgheadh iad fad na h-oidhche
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
fulainn: Quotation: Used to describe the Uig bodach who wanted the “steall math uisge” when his own crops were secured. Notes: An ironic usage (var. of fallain?). Not in Dw.
Location: Lewis
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
funnt: said of someone who had an inclination to steal. “Daoine funnt.”
Location: North Uist, Iollathraigh [Illeray]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
fursair (E): Boirionnach rough. Og an cumantas. Teenager rough mar gu’n canadh tu. ’S ann eagalach tearc a chleachdas sinn ‘fursair’ ri balach. [SLIP: A young, tough woman. Seldom used of a boy.]
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Nàdur an Duine / Personality
fàd: an individual peat, i.e. a slab cut out of the peat-bank.
Origin: Lewis, Back or Lewis, Back
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
fàd: an caob monadh mar thig i o’n tairisgeir.

Origin: [Taransay]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
fàd: an doimhne ruigeas an tairisgeir le aon phutadh dhan chois a chuireas an “ceum” air cothrom ris “a’ charcaire”. Tha doimhne phuill air a thoimhis a reir ’ona th’ann a dh’fhoid os cionn a cheil.
Origin: [Taransay]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
fàd a’ chaorain: [See an caoran]
Location: Harris, Tarbert
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
fàd a’ ghàrraidh: Fàd a tha ruith a’ phuill fo’n bharr-fhad. An dara fàd a tha tighinn a aodann a’ phuill. (Bu chòir dhomh a bhith air sgrìobhadh an fhir so eadar an corr-fhad ’san caoran.)
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
fàgail: “Nach ann ort tha an fhàgail!” – failing, affliction.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
fàidheadaireach: (Air a fhuamachadh mar ‘fàtaireachd’.) A’ goid seallaidh air duine. Is e ‘fìdigeadh’ a chanas iad anns na Bàigh, an Uig againne.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
fàileadh an éisg: smell of herring.
Location: [Harris], Scalpay
Category: Iasgach an Sgadain / Herring-Fishing
fàileadh-an-fhraoich: the smell of burning heather.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
fàilte (-an): salutes.
Origin: Uibhisteach [Uist]
Category: Pìobaireachd / Piping
fàin an latha: the brightest part of the day.
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Fàinn’ an Easbuig: Episcopal Ring.
Location: South Uist, Daliburgh
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
fàir: [fɑ:ɾ] Quot.: “Fàir a nall an t-slige-chreachain sin.” Note: bring over that clam-shell.
Origin: [Caversta]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
fàireag: Quotation: Thainig fàireag as an achlais agam. Notes: gland swelling (?).
Location: Skye?, Braes, Baile Meadhonach
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
fàireag: Cnap a thigeadh ann an ceann na sliasaid agad le cus ruith no cluiche, no nithean de’n t-seorsa sin, a dhèanadh [sic]. Dh’fhaodadh gu’n tigeadh fàireagan an aiteachan eile, cuideachd, saoilidh mi.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
fàireag: Quot.: “Thainig fàireag an ceann a shliasaid.” Note: applied to a swollen gland.
Origin: Kershader
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
fàisg: Quotation: a’ cur am bogadh an clò agus ’ga fhàsgadh dòrn is dòrn. Notes: wringing hand over hand.
Origin: North Uist
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
fàisniche: an object that makes you shirk, move with fright. [SLIP: Something which sends shivers down a person’s spine.]
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
fàl: (Skye) Ainm eile airson feusag an rathaid-mhóir, fàl an rathaid. The soft, turf edge or border of a highway.
Origin: [Skye]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
fàl: Quot.: “Cha deach fàl bheatha ri m’anail an diugh.” Note: I haven’t had a bite to eat today. (Put also under beath.)
Origin: [Ness]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
fàl an rathaid mhóir: side of the road. Possibly the ditch as well.
Location: South Uist, South Boisdale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
fàladaireachd: riding a horse. “Bha mi muigh a fàladaireachd air an each.”
Location: North Uist, Sollas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
fàlan: a children’s tea party. Also in the sense of a hiding place. “Dè fàlan a tha agad thall an sin?”
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
fàr: Fàr; e.g. a woman living alone shouts, “Fàr a nuas an gunna!” to frighten Mac-An t-Srònaich away.
Ness [Isle of Lewis]. [Note added to a paper slip on fair: Ach fair a nuas mo bhreacan guaill – Am Fear-Ciùil. An R. i (Niall Mac Gille Sheathanaich), 1917, p. 171] [Added by RÓM 25/1/2024.]

Category: ROM Slips
fàradh: Quotation: an fhàradh [ən̪ɑ:ɾu̜]. Notes: funeral bier.
Location: Sutherland, Portskerra
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
fàrlus: an luidhear.
Origin: Geàrrloch (Loch Iubh) [Gairloch (Loch Ewe)]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
fàs: adj. ‘empty; deserted’: mar bu trice bhiodh baile ~ ri taobh no air an dala taobh dhìot an àite a’ choreigin
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
fàs nead: an empty nest.
Location: South Uist, Iochdar
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
fàsach: Quotation: Chaneil fhios am fo ghrian an fhàsaich dé tha ceàrr oirre. Notes: I have absolutely no idea.
Location: Lewis, Barvas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
fàsach: Quotation: “’S mise fàsach do dhuine, / Ann am fàsach na beinne, / ’S cha do fhòghuim mi riamh, / Crioch àraidh an duine.” Reply of a Shepherd to Dr. Ross, Loch Broom – Pre-Disruption. Notes: Fàsach – wilderness. Fasach – empty.
Origin: West Lewis [the location given on the slips]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
fàth: Quot.: “Chan fhàth an eiltich sin.” Note: said by a person who hears of an accident or bad news of some kind. (Could say “Cha b’e fàth an eiltich sin.”)
Origin: [Ness]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
fàth: Quotation: Bha e feitheamh fàth air greim a ghabhail air. Notes: an opportunity.
Origin: West Lewis [the location given on the slips]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
fèith (I): Na’s motha an cumantas na ‘rias’ [q.v.]. Dubh an cumantas agus gun uisge air a h-uachdar. Anns an deadh ainmhidh an sàs. Agus abair sin!
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Cruth na Tìre / Landscape Features
fèithe: Quotation: an fhèithe dhìreach. Notes: the gullet.
Location: Ross-shire, Aultbea
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
féist: [fɛ̜:ʃtʹ] Quotation: Thug mi a steach féist air. Notes: of skirt, “tuck”. (Heard a woman, probably from ‘An Rubha’, Lewis, say it.)
Location: Lewis, Barvas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
fìdeag: fetter put on a sheep. Also used on lambs. Is this from Scots word ‘fittock’ which was an overshoe made from stocking heads??
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
fìleadh: [ɸi:lʹəɣ] Quotation: Tha fìleadh a’ tighinn fo bhonn an doruis. Notes: a draught of wind, current of air.
Location: Mull
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
fìnn: [sic] Quotation: Bha mi aige fad, fìnn, foinneach [fonʹɑx] an latha. Notes: I was at it the whole day.
Origin: Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
fìor: adj. ‘true’: ~ òinseach do dhuine [MAE]; bha e na ~ bhruidhinn aca aire sin, an Loch Ness monster; dh’fhairgheadh e __ a’ chailleach, mas fh., gur i a bh’ ann a’ cnagadh nan
cnò
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
fìreag (-an): stones used to keep thatch in place.
Origin: Lewis and Uist
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
fìrinn: nn : ‘s e an fh. as fheàrr; bha an fh. aige sin
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
fògarach: one who has been proclaimed an outlaw.
Origin: [Strathglass]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
fòghnaich: Quotation: A’ fear a bhàsaich leis an acras, fhuair e ’na dh’fhoghainn dha.
Location: Islay, Bowmore
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
fòid: Quotation: an dàrna [d̪ɑ:ṉɑ] fòid. Notes: the second peat.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
fòlag: a word used in the north end of South Uist which means a pin used to hold the wheel on an axle. Same word as ‘sgiofair’ which is used at south end of South Uist.
Location: South Uist, Peninerine
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
fòrladh: [fɔrɫɑɣ] Quot.: “Tha e aig an tigh air fòrladh.” Note: on leave, furlough.
Origin: [Lewis], Arnol
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
fùdar: powder. Làn leis an fhùdar. (already noted)
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
fùdraig: Quot.: “Bhiodh iad a’ fùdraigeadh le maide gus an dheidheadh na bradain dhan a’ chabhall.” Note: beating along the banks to drive salmon into the net.
Origin: Caversta
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ga shiorr luadh: forever talking about an event in the community. Keeping it fresh, rubbing it in. [NOTES: ‘shiorr’ corrected to ‘shior’.]
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gabh: Quotation: Feumaidh sinn gabhail man a’ chruaich mas tig an uisge or Feumaidh sinn gabhail uimpe. Notes: We’ll have to get the stack properly completed and secured before the rain comes.
Location: Lewis, Barvas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gabh: Quot.: “Gabh m’a cheann an dràsda.” Note: if one was doing a job (e.g. building a wall) and was finishing off for the day; rounding off whatever one was doing at the time.
Origin: [Barvas]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gabhail: “Fhuair e gabhail aig an iasgach.” – ’Na iasgair ann am bàta.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gabht: an iron bar. A smithy would use this term.
Origin: [Note: From North Uist, information from Alex O’Henley / RÓM 4 Dec 2023]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gabht iaruinn: an iron rod taken to the smithy when you wanted a cartwheel strapped. Eight or nine yards in length, three inches wide and one inch thick. [NOTES: ‘gabht’ corrected to ‘gabhd’.]
Location: South Uist, South Boisdale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gad: Quotation: gad iarainn. Notes: an iron rod.
Location: Ross-shire, Aultbea
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gad: Quotation: Bha iad ann an sàs nan gad. Notes: Locked together in wrestling.
Location: Ross-shire, Aultbea
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gad: Quotation: Cha robh air fhàgail agam ach an gad air an robh an t-iasg.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gadhar: similar word to ‘gaiseadh’ as in a weakness or failing affecting an old man/woman.
Location: South Uist, Iochdar, Baile Gharbhaidh [Balgarva]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gaidhealach: having an appearance of a Highland character or Highland characteristics (Highland of Scotland).
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gainisg-gainntir: Notes: am mana a bhiodh cionntaich a’ faicinn nuair a bhiodh iad an sàs.
Location: [see below]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gairbhean: Quotation: an gairbhean. Notes: the gills of a fish.
Location: Sutherland, Embo
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gairm: Quotation: an gairm. Notes: proclamation of banns. Also “Bha iad air an gairm.”
Location: [see below]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gairt: famine. Gairt earraich am measg an spréidh. (obsolete expression) (Not ‘cairt’ – a card.)
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gala: Quotation: an cù agus an gala. Notes: fox and vixen.
Location: Ross-shire, Dornie, Morvich
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
galahad: An tu tha sud a ghalahad (referring to a female).
Location: Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
galair an domalais: fluke.
Location: South Uist, Iochdar, Baile Gharbhaidh [Balgarva]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
galair an domalais: gall stones.
Location: South Uist, South Glendale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
galair an dumalais: the disease whereby the green/blue bile sachet on a liver burst with the result that the animal was poisoned.
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
galair-an-domalais: fluke.
Location: South Uist, Kildonan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
galar: Quotation: an galar [ɡɾɤɣ]. Notes: “strangles” in horses. Infectious.
Location: Sutherland, Kinlochbervie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
galar: Quotation: an galar buidhe [bu̜i]. Notes: disease in lambs occurring during dry summers and on some types of ground. Scabs round eyes and ears. Sometimes lambs went blind.
Location: Sutherland, Kinlochbervie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
galar-plocach: Quotation: an galar-plocach. Notes: mumps.
Origin: Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
galar-plocach: Quotation: an galar-plocach. Notes: mumps.
Origin: Islay, Ballygrant
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ganail [?]: an iron railing.
Origin: ‘Islay connections’
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gann-fhad: be seo an dàrna fàd, agus am pìos a bha a bharrachd air a cheud fhad, bhi e dhìth air an dàrna fear. Sin bu chiall d’on ainm, gu robh am fàd gann.
Location: South Uist, Peninerine
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
ganogs: an iron crosswise fixed over a basket full of herring, with a hook on each end which is inserted into both handles of the basket, a ring in the middle of the bar into which a rope is tied or spliced, thus the basket full of herring being hoisted from the hold of the boat on to the pier – a common portrait years back – the word for this ‘contraption’ is unheard of now, I think; which was ‘ganogs’. Illustration or diagram (the diagram is not too good, it will give you an idea):
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gaoch!: (interj.) to avoid leading a child into disgust, dirt, or to frighten him, in an attempt, by making him discharge something or spit from his mouth, any item of distaste.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gaoid: an illness, disease. “Bha gaoid air.”
Location: South Uist, Lochcarnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gaoirnean, pl. gaoirneanan: pellet(s). [NOTES: slipped under ‘gaoirnean (pl. -an)’. Definition: ’Pellets’. Cf. Gaorr and meaning.]
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gaoisid: Quotation: Tha an cù a’ cur na gaoisid. Notes: The dog is shedding its hair.
Location: Skye, Harlosh
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gaoithsig: [ɡɤiʃiɡʹ] Note: said to be an old word for a snipe.
Location: [Lewis], South Lochs, Caversta
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gaol: Quotation: Nuair a thig an acras a steach air an dorus, theid an gaol a mach air an uinneig.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gaol: Quotation: Thuit e ann an gaol air a’ nighean.
Origin: Port Wemyss
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gaorran: dung pellets (sheep). [NOTES: slipped under ‘gaorr (pl. -an)’.]
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gaosaid an fhéidh: wispy, pointed clouds pointing away from the sun. Indicative of mild weather. For a couple of days. [NOTES: word supplied by R. O’Henley, Garrynamonie, S. Uist.]
Location: North Uist, Lochportan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gaoth: Quotation: “… gus am faigheadh iad gaoth air na h-eòin, agus an sin bha iad a stad.” Notes: i.e. the gundogs.
Origin: Blackburn, near Glentarff
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gaoth: Quotation: Na trì nithean as fuar ’s an domhainn, gaoth [ɡw:ç] roimh tholl, gaoth fo sheòl, agus gaoth fhuar an àiteamh [ɑtʹʃəv].
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gaoth an iar – iasg is bainne: Origin: Harris, Horgabost or Harris, Kyles Stockinish
Category: Sìde / Weather
gaoth-chuartagach: [ɡw:xu̜ɤʴsṯɑɡɑx] Notes: an eddying wind. [NOTES: the turned r used for the symbol which is unclear in the original.]
Origin: Glenurquhart
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gaoth-earraich: an eara-dheas (SE).
Origin: Tiree
Category: Sìde / Weather
gaothach: Quotation: moine ghaothaich. Notes: where there is only a thin layer of turf and peat (i.e. in an area where peat was cut before), it is almost dry when cut.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gar, gara, an gara: near. “Na teid an gara dha.”
Location: Inverness
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
garadh: [ɡɑɾəɣ] Quotation: an garadh. Notes: otter’s lair.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
garbhag(an): Sprats about the size of medium cuddies. Aig amannan chleachd sgaothan dhuibh [sic] a bhith tighinn as t-fhoghar gu cladaichean Uig is gan tilgeil fhein air tir anns an fheamuinn. Chleachd na h-Uigich a bhith toirt dhachaidh nam pocannan dhuibh [sic]; gan ithe ùr, is ga sailleadh.
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness, Lionel
Category: Maorach / Shellfish
garrach: [ɡɑrɑx] Quotation: Suidh, a’ gharraich. Notes: an obstreperous boy.
Location: Skye, Kyleakin
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
garraiseach: Quot.: garraiseach na Bealltainn. Note: an annual spell of bad weather.
Origin: Kershader
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
garran: (prick) as: ’Se garran th’ann. – as termed to an uncannily [sic] youth.
Location: [Harris], Scalpaigh [Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
garran: (also) unpopular character, ‘causing’ distaste in boastful attitude towards his age, as a youth declaring an overstatement. (Scalpay)
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
garrthadh: Quotation: Tha garr(a)thadh air an aodach/air an fheur. Notes: of clothes beginning to get dry. Cf. Applecross sgiath.
Location: Barra, Northbay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gasg (-an): an irregularly shaped field.
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gasta: adj. ‘nice, kindly’: fhuair e uamhasach ~ iad; bhiodh fear an taighe uamhasach ~ leis
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
gath, gathan: [pl.] Shrimps. “Tha na balaich shios anns an fhadhail a’ breith air na gathan.”
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gath-droma: Quotation: an gath-droma. Notes: ridge-pole.
Origin: North Uist
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gath-dubh: Quotation: an gath-dubh. Notes: ear of oats infested with “smut” – (?).
Origin: North Uist
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gath-muing: [ɡɑmũ̟i], [ɡɑmũ̜ĩ] Quotation: an gath-muing. Notes: horse’s mane.
Origin: North Uist
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gathan nan teachdairean teinteach: electricity poles. Whilst on this subject D. W. alludes to a superstition which is rarely heard nowadays. In the days when people were dependent on embers for torchlight, an ember would not be given to a visitor if there was a baby in the house. It was feared that the child would not have any teeth if this was given.
Location: South Uist, Peninerine
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ga’n leigeil a mach gus an t’ sruthan na an abhuinn: outdoor watering.
Origin: [Arran]
Category: Crodh / Cattle
geaban: [ɡʹe:bɑṉ] Notes: an untidy person, person who doesn’t take pride in his appearance.
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Sydney
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gead: (f) One piece of ground identifiable as an entity. The ‘lot’ might consist of many geadan in different places.
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
geadh: Quotation: Ged a chuireadh tu geadh mu chuairt an t-shaoghal air fad, ’s ann ’na gheadh a thilleadh e.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
geal: adj ‘white’. : ~ ris an t-sneachd a tha iad
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
Geal ris a’ chruaidh: Tha so a’ ciallachadh gu bheil iasg air an dubhan as fhaisge air a’ chruaidh. Tha cuid ann fhathast nach eil ag iarraidh so oir tha iad don bheachd gur e mealladh a tha ann is nach fhaigh iad móran éisg as a chur so.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
gealach: Quotation: gealach a’ ruadhain. Notes: same as “gealach an [ɑpɑxi]” (sic).
Origin: Tiree
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gealach: Quotation: An croch thu do cheap air a’ ghealaich. Notes: if you could, bad weather was supposedly imminent (first and last quarter).
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Gealach an t-Saillidh: An ath ghealach as déidh Gealach Bhuidhe an Abachaidh. Aig a’ ghealaich-sa – Gealach an t-Saillidh – agus as a déidh, ghleidheadh tu rud sam bith le salann.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gealadh: whitening. Na pocannan an sud a’ gealadh ris a’ ghréin ’s a muigh fo’n uisge. Cloth material losing colour through neglect in the open, outside.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gealagan: Notes: white of an egg.
Origin: North Uist
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gealan an t-sneachda: snow bunting.
Origin: Glasgow/South Uist? or South Uist, Kildonan or South Uist, Garrynamonie or South Uist or Skye, Bernisdale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
geall: vb ‘bet, wager’ : fut. rel.: rud mar siud a gheallas e; vbl nn: bha e ‘ ~tainn gum biodh an railroad a’ dol sìos
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
geallabhal: An riasg a bhiodh air cruadhachadh ’s air tiormachadh a’ stigh fo na bruthaichean. Connadh math. Is ann ri àm a bhiodh connadh air leth gann a bhithist a’ cur thairis nam bruthaichean airson an stuth-sa.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
geallach an abaichidh: seen in mid October. Distinct since it was lower than in the other seasons.
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
geallaraich: (Name from the Kershader, Lochs area.) Pullet shells. Tha iad so faisg air cumadh na coilleige [q.v.], ach fada na’s motha agus tha an da t-slige aca sleamhuinn.
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness, Lionel
Category: Maorach / Shellfish
geamhradail: Quotation: Tha e gu math geamhradail an diugh. Notes: wintry.
Location: Skye, Sleat, Calligary
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Geancach: adj. ‘from the USA’ : ‘s ann an soitheach ~ a bha e
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
gearrachrann: an area, flat part of the ground covered with tree, from ‘geàrraidh chrann’.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gearrachuill: [ɡʹɑrɑxu̟lʹ] Quotation: an gearrachuill. Notes: the master-tree or main swingle tree.
Origin: Islay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gearradh: Quotation: a’ cheud ghearradh, an dàrna gearradh. Notes: 4th and 5th years in crop rotation. Not ploughed. Rye grass cut in July and meadow or natural grass (not sown) cut in late autumn.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gearradh: cutting the surround of a hole ‘on the leg’, that is at an angle, when shaping netting for repair, so reducing wastage.
Location: [Harris], Scalpay
Category: Iasgach an Sgadain / Herring-Fishing
gearradh: cut length. A’ bheil tombac’ agad? Cha ’eil gearradh! [SLIP: Cf. ‘Cha do dh’ith e gearradh fad an là.’ (Applecross)]
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gearradh-feòir: Nuair a bhiodh sinn a’ tarruing leum, a cheud àite anns an gearradh sinn an talamh anns an leum, b’e sin an gearradh-feòir. Agus is e an gearradh-feòir a bh’air a chunntadh.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gearrag: Ged tha am facal ‘gearrag’ a’ ciallachadh nithean eile anns an fhaclair Dwelly bha i a’ ciallachadh anns an sgìorrachd so craobh beag ghiuthas tha a’ fàs air talamh mòinteich far a bheil an talamh bog fliuch a’ chuid as moth’ dhe’n bhliadhna agus mar thoradh air a sin chan eil i riamh còrr is da throigh dheug no mu’n chuairt anns an àird. Tha mòran talamh dhe’n seòrsa sin le craobhan beaga a’ fàs ann anns an sgìorrachd so. Chan fhac’ mi riamh am facal ‘gearragan’ nuair a bha iad a buntuinn ri còrr is aon. [SLIP: Small fir tree growing in wet moorland, never more than about 12ft in height.]
Origin: [Inverness-shire, Nethy Bridge]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gearraiseach: [ɡʹɑɾɑʃɑx] Quot.: “duine gearraiseach”. Note: an argumentative man.
Origin: Crowlista
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gearran: Notes: 2 yr old male, before it matures. “’S math an gearran a chumas a’ bhraim gu feasgar.” He wouldn’t start to play about until the work was finished.
Origin: Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Gearrloch: Inbhir Àsdal, Fionn Loch, Lochan Fada, Tealladal, Creag Thollaidh, Turnaig, Uaghaidh, Beinn Àirigh a’ Charr, a’ Mhaighdean, Gruinneard Garbh, Meall na Doire, Sròin Dubh, Bad a’ Chròtha, Port an Sgùmainn.
Origin: [Strathglass]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
geibhal: an end of a drift net. [NOTES: corrected to ‘gèibheil’.]
Location: Eriskay, Na Hann [Haun]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
geilceinn: an unsuitable, lumpy addition. For example this would be applied to a badly made mould board (bòrd-ùireach). [NOTES: corrected to ‘geilcein’.]
Location: South Uist, South Glendale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
geimh-air-geimh: term associated with two unagreeable [sic] [disagreeable? disagreeing?] persons, under a slight effect of anger, irritable, retaliating at one another in a snorting unpleasant conversation. Tha iad ann an shiod [sic] geimh air geimh. – reference to two or more persons.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
geing: Quotation: Thug an t-each geing dha. Notes: a kick, usually with the back of the hoof or with the heel.
Location: Lewis, Barvas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
geinge: the equivalent of, as in: “’s geinge dheth fhein a sgoltas an darach”.
Location: South Uist, Lochcarnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
geinn: Quotation: an geinn. Notes: square wooden pin at the end of the joiner’s bench. Close-fitting but could be hammered up and down to suit the thickness of the wood being planed or chiselled.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
geinneanta: wedge form of approach so to speak. I think it’s an abstraction from the root ‘geinn’ – wedge. ’S e duine geinneata [sic] – approaching in a wedge-like approach, say, butting in...
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
geoc: Quotation: Ma tha an t-easbuig cho dona sin ri leum nam feansan, carson a Dia, nach cuir thu geoc air? Notes: yoke – put round the necks of horses guilty of jumping fences, etc. (Above example from story told on tape.)
Location: Cape Breton
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
geonachair: [ˈɡʹɔ̃ṉɔxəð] Note: duine loinneil, cìocrach, gleidhteach. “B’furasda dhuit an t-ìm a thoirt a iongnan a’ chait.”
Origin: Swainbost
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
geugaire: Aig lamraig far nach fhaigheadh tu clach no carragh ris an ceangladh tu ball, chuireadh na bodaich clach ann an sgor agus theannaicheadh iad gu bàs i. Ris an seo cheangladh tu ball uair sam bith a bhiodh tu cur feum air an lamraig. ’Se ‘geugaire’ a bh’aca air an seo. Tha fear dhiubh seo air lamraig Màs a’ Mhachair aig Tràigh a’ Cheadha ann an Carnis ann an Uig. (Carnis, fuaimnich mar ‘varnish’ air a chantuinn aithghearr.) (Barrachd mu a dheidhinn ann an còmhradh.)

Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
geugan: (Chan è ‘geagan’, mar a th’aig Dwelly.) (Fuaimnich ‘eug’ mar ‘eug’ (death): g + eug + an.)

Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
geàrr: Quotation: an geàrr. Notes: slot in the staves of a barrel into which the top fits.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
geòbadh: Quotation: Nach toir thu geòbadh air an dorus? Notes: an opening (door, window, etc.).
Location: Cape Breton
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
geòbadh: Quotation: Nach toir thu geòbadh air an dorus. Notes: slight opening of a door or window.
Location: Canada, Christmas Island
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
geòpail: Quotation: Tha an t-iasg a’ geòpail. Notes: used of fish which is gasping for breath.
Location: Tiree, [Caolas? – one slip]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
geòsgil: when eyes are not fully open, e.g. first thing in the morning. “Bha e an sin ’s geòsgil air.”
Location: South Uist, Lochcarnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ghabh e anns an Dàil: he was hired at Dall.
Location: Tummel and Rannoch
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Ghabh i an tarbh: Origin: Barra
Category: Crodh / Cattle
ghearradh a leth-cheann an càis: the thinness of his cheeks, cheek bones could cut cheese (literally).
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Coltas an Duine / Personal Appearance
gheibh: vb. ‘get’: FUT.: chaneil sian ann … do’l [nuair] a gheibh thu suas ris; PAST: fhuair iad suas ris a sin; VBL. N.: ach sin do’l [nuair] a bha an gnothach ’ faighinn air a luathadh,
dà òran ’s -- bhiodh an gnothach rèidh; agus a’ leigeil beagan eile ris ai’son na bha e [an clò] ’ dol a fhaighinn a-staigh; chan eil strì ann do’l [nuair] a gheibh thu suas ris; gum faighinn
a-mach feasgar a dhèanamh rudeigin
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
gheibh: vb ‘get’ :fut. rel.:an fheadhain a ~ suas leatha [MAE]; cond.: gheibheadh e cuid na h-oidhcheadh uair sam bith ‘ fhaighinn; past: ‘n àite ‘ bhith ’na dhotair ‘s ann ’na robair a
fhuair mise e; fhuair e an gnothach a dhèanamh oirre; fhuair e uamhasach gasta iad; cha d’fhuair mi ‘ thoirt dha; bha e ‘ cur air nach d’fhuair e an tuagh a chur dhachaigh; vbl nn.: gheibheadh
e cuid na h-oidhcheadh uair sam bith ‘ fhaighinn
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
gheàrr e poll: “Ghearr e poll anns an lèana.”
Origin: [Lewis, Uig]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
gheòbhradh: an invented word similar ghiùbrabh i, ghraidh mo chridhe, for the fonn invention of o ró and so on. [SLIP: Similar to the ‘hóro’ of the songs.]
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
giagalais: Quotation: Dé an giagalais a th’ort? Notes: slow-motion, dawdle. Used of a person. Also a’ giagalais.
Location: Lewis, Barvas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
giamhadaich: pilfering. A giamhadaich timchioll – moving slowly about as an old man. (Harris)
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gibeag: na h-uibhir de dh’fheur ’ga chrochadh dhaibh, na dhà-sa shuas, ann an sreing.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
gibilish: gabbling. I have heard this word from an individual not on Scalpay, and I am not prepared to say in what place the word was used or if [is] still used, probably, but I think it may have been used on Skye, according to my recollection of hearing it.
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gibneach: Common octopus. Chan eil iad so pailt ann an lòintean a’ chladaich, ach thig thu tarsainn air feadhainn aca le tràigh mhor. Tha ochd spàgan fada orra agus na spàgan sin lan dheocadairean, agus ma ghreimicheas iad air do bhriogais bidh e na’s fhasa na spagan a ghearradh dhuibh [sic] na slaodadh dhiot. Bidh iad gan itheadh air na Lochan.
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness, Lionel
Category: Maorach / Shellfish
gidseag: a snatch, snippet. “Cha robh aice dhe’n eachdraidh ach gidseag an sud ’san seo.”
Location: North Uist, Lochportan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gil: gulley in hill, gil an fhidhich.
Location: [Harris], Leverburgh
Category: Cruth na Tìre / Landscape Features
gille: Quotation: an gille. Notes: best man at a wedding.
Origin: Glenurquhart
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gille: Quotation: gille-ceann-séiseadh. Notes: a flunky in a household, e.g. an unmarried man staying with his married brother.
Origin: North Uist
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gille pliobair: an underling, to be distinguished from a message boy who had a higher status. The word hints at backwardness and gullibility regarding this person.
Location: South Uist, Peninerine
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gille-bog: ’Se seo a th’aca air uain a tha dìth lùthais orra ’s an druim. Cha téid na h-uain-sa air an casan a chaoidh. ’S ann aig caoirich a tha ag ithe tòrr de an fheamainn air na muil a bhios an seòrsa uan-sa. ’Se bodach anns a’ bhaile againn fhìn a thug an t-ainm-sa orra, agus lean an t-ainm. Mur eil mise ceàrr, ’s ann air isean sgairbh a bha’n t-ainm ‘gille-bog’ an toiseach.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
giobain: descriptive word applied to individual in friendly manner. “Sheall an giobain a tha a’ nall thugainn.”
Origin: [South Uist]
Category: Coltas an Duine / Personal Appearance
giobarais: “Cha do thuig mi smid de an ghiobarais a bh’aca”, arsa am bodach agus e air a bhith ’g éisdeach ri Frangaich a’ còmhradh.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
giofair: an officious man.
Origin: [Strathglass]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
giollan: a young boy courting and with an illegitimate child.
Location: South Uist, Lochcarnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
giomach: 14b [Lobster] araball, com, spog, casan, suil, bàrr an arabuil, cabhaul [? or cabhail?] (a’ ch), suil nan cliabh, dorus.
Location: Mull [see below for details]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
giorsaid: Note: te aotrom stràiceil a ghéill do fhéill-an-diomhanais.
Origin: Swainbost
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
giort: [ɡwrt̪] Quotation: an giort. Notes: saddle belly strap.
Origin: Islay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
girean: Quotation: “Hó!, an girean!”, said my Uncle Alex, as he pulled the straggling hair of a girl in front of him in the Kinloch church. Notes: Not in Dw.
Location: Lewis
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
girneilear: In some houses, instead of the barrels, a large wooden chest called ‘an girneilear’ held the meal.
Origin: Skye
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
giulc: [ɡʹu̜ɫk] Quot.: “Bhiodh clann-nighean an iasgaich air an giulcadh ann an tuill nam bàtaichean.” Note: pressed together (e.g. when going from one fishing port to another). Would use “giulcadh” of anything pressed together haphazardly.
Origin: [Barvas]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
giulla: Quot.: “An ann a giulla a fhuair thu ’n t-iasg sin?” “Eil thu dol a’ ghiulla a nochd?” (iulla – ?) Note: fly-fishing (sea).
Origin: Uig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
giurrsach: an unruly female character. Perhaps from ‘siùrsach’. The word ‘giurrsach’ unaccented. (Not used now.)
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
giustalach: an athlete. [Cf. giustal.]
Location: Barra, Northbay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
giùdaireachd: [ɡʹu̟:d̪əðɑxk] Quot.: “De a’ ghiùdaireachd a th’ort an sin?” “A’ giùdaireachd air robaid.” Note: as above [i.e. giùdair].
Origin: Caversta
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
giùdaireachd: Bha Tormod, am balach beag, air a dhòigh leis an iasg anns an tuba mar a thàinig e as a’ mhuir. Bha e a làimhseachadh is eile mar a thigeadh ris, agus abair gu robh. Mu dheireadh thuirt a athair ris: “Teann air falbh as an sin, a’ giùdaireachd ann an sin mar…” Dh’éirich am facal rium, cuideachd, nuair a chuir an lighiche Barnard an cridhe anns an duine an toiseach. “’Se giùdaireachd eagalach a th’ann air duine.”
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
giùlan: Quotation: an giùlan. Notes: the funeral procession.
Origin: Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
giùlan (E): “Chaidh iad fo an ghiulan [sic].” Dheadh ochdnar fo an ghiùlan air an eilitriom. Bha an t-eilitriom mar bara-làimhe mór, fada.

Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Bàs is Adhlacadh / Death and Burial
giùran: Wood barnacle. Nuair a bhios pios fiodha fada a’ seoladh anns a’ chuan bidh giùrain a’ fàs air. Sin an t-ainm a th’aca orra an Nis. Bha daoine a’ smaoineachadh gum biodh iad a’ fàs na’n geòidh, a chionn gu bheil an t-slige aca air chumadh gob geòidh agus is e ‘na geòidh’ a bhiodh againn orra an ceann shios an Rudha. Chanadh fear shios an sin, “Cha tug mi dhachaidh am maide a thàinig air tir oir bha e air itheadh aig na geòidh.”
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness, Lionel
Category: Maorach / Shellfish
Glacadh easgann uillt: Tha thu a’ cur casg air allt samhraidh is an nuair a ruitheas an t-uisge bho thaobh shios a’ chasg so tha thu cladhach a’ phuill is a’ togail leat easgainn a bhios am meud freagarrach. Tha thu an uair sin a leigeil ruith do’n chasg.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
glacaich-bhràghad: Quot.: “an glacaich-bhràghad”.
Location: Lewis, Uig, Crowlista
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
glacaich-bhràghaid: Quotation: an glacaich-bhràghaid. Notes: choking disease, croup.
Location: Lewis, Barvas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
glagaireachd (mhór): [ɡlɑkərəxk] gossip. Bha iad a’ glagaireachd fad an latha. [NOTES: the slip has [ɡɫakərəxk]. Definition: Gossip. (Also fem. noun).]
Origin: Kill-Fhinn
Category: Crodh / Cattle
glagan: Clach, no cudthrom air choireigin, a bhiodh iad a’ ceangal ri aodann bó chrosd – te a bhiodh a leum air cach ’s ’gan tolladh. Mar a dh’fheuchadh i ri ruith bha an cudthrom a’ tòiseachadh a’ bualadh air a h-aodann. Chuireadh seo ’n a tàmh i. Fhad’s a dh’fhuireadh i sùmhail bha fois aice.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
glagan: Air bó a bhiodh crosd, airson a cumail sùmhail. Clach air maoil an ainmhidh, crochte ri a adhaircean. Nuair a dheanadh e airson ruith airson a dhol as déidh ainmhidh eile gus a bhualadh, bha a’ chlach (an glagan) a’ tòiseachadh a’ bualadh air a mhaoil. Mar bu luaithe a ruitheadh e ’s ann bu mhotha a bhuaileadh a’ chlach e. Tha e coltach gu robh an glagan glé éifeachdach.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
glagan: Quotation: glagan a’ mhuilinn. Notes: an arm inside the mill which was hit by a wheel, making a sound which indicated that everything was going smoothly.
Location: North Uist, Bayhead, Kylis
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
glaimsear: Quot.: “Cuimhnichidh an glaimsear air a’ chù nuair a bhios a bhrùgh fhéin làn.”
Origin: Swainbost
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
glaisean mor an uisg: corn bunting.
Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
glamhadh: Quotation: “Thug an cù glamhadh air a’ chat.” Notes: “The dog snapped at the cat.” The meaning of glamhadh is usually the snapping of a dog’s jaws, accompanied by a growl. Sometimes it implies a lunge.
Location: Tiree, [Caolas? – one slip]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
glan: adj ‘pure, unadulterated’ : ach an fhìrinne gh. a bha seo
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
glan: vb ‘’clear, wipe out’ : start teine shìos an Dunvegan … gh. i chuile sian
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
glan mar an t-òr: clean as gold.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Coltas an Duine / Personal Appearance
glanadh: Bha an cargur ’ga ghlanadh gus a dheanamh na b’fhasa do’n tairsgeir. Feumaidh tuighead mhath a bhith anns a ghlanadh so ann an cuid de phuill, nuair nach eil an talamh air a dhol ’na riasg suas gu bun an rùisg. Ni an glanadh so calcas math eadar na cip no rùsg fo do chasan.
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
glanadh: Quotation: an glanadh [əŋ ɡɫɑ˖nəɣ]. Notes: the afterbirth or the covering over the foetus.
Location: Ross of Mull
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
glanadh: a còmhnardachadh a “charcaire” [q.v.] an deidh fheannadh.
Origin: [Taransay]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
glanadh: Quotation: an glanadh. Notes: placenta or afterbirth.
Origin: Islay, Ballygrant
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
glands: Chan eil lorg agam air nì bho’n taobh an iar idir airson seo.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
glaodh: Quotation: “Bha iad air an glaodhaich.” Notes: Their wedding banns were proclaimed.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
glaodh an reothaidh: Notes: the piercing cold of frost, which one feels in one’s bones. < glaodh cry? / tingling? Not in Dw.
Location: Lewis
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
glaodhadh: Quotation: an glaodhadh. Notes: glue.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
glas: Quot.: an glas mhór. Note: part of a sheep’s stomach. Thin at one end, getting wider towards the other end.
Location: Lewis, Uig, Crowlista
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
glas: Quotation: an glas cruinn. Notes: semi-circle cut out of stem thwart of a boat to admit the mast.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
glasadh: ‘greying’ appearance of daybreak, thus: Glasadh an latha. [SLIP: ‘Daybreak’.]
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
glasadh an latha: dawn. ‘Soilleirachadh [sic] an latha’.
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gleac: wrestling. Agus ‘car-gleac’ (Na dhà.) ’Se car-gleac a chanadh sinne a b’òige. Chanadh an t-seann fheadhainn na dhà, ‘gleac’ agus ‘car-gleac’. “Iad a’ feuchainn gleac.” “Iad ri gleac.” ‘Gleac’ bu trice a chanadh iad.
Origin: Leodhas [Lewis], Uig
Category: Cur-seachadan: Dèideagan, Geamaichean is Farpaisean / Recreation: Toys, Games, Contests
gleadhag (-an): regular bouts of drinking. “Bhiodh e a gabhail gleadhagan deoch tric.”
Location: South Uist, Lochcarnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gleann: Quot.: “Tha’n fhairge na glinn.” “Ann an glinn na mara.” Note: Referring to troughs in a heavy swell.
Location: [Lewis], S. Lochs, Gravir
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Gleann Cuaich, Ceann t-Sàil: Sgor Beag, Creag nan Damh, Allt Beithe, Gleann Seile, Achadh nan Gort, Loch Dubhthaich, Loch Luinge, Coille na Tobhtaig, Conchra, Poll an Tairbh, Omhanaich.
Origin: [Strathglass]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gleanndanas: a family relationship that has run its full term. “Nach iad sin a chum an gleanndanas.”
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gleansa: polish, shine. Seall an gleans’ th’ann ’s na brògan aige. (Harris)
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gleodhrais: wasting your time. “Dè a ghleodhrais a tha ort an diugh.”
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
glibideach (adj): not expertly; no sense of an expert; bandy; as a person with some handicap, personally, lack of limb, etc.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
glinn: “Na dh’fhàg thu agam de dh’fhodar airson an eich, cha deanadh e glinn ’n a bhroinn.”
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gliog: nn ‘click, clink’ : bha mi ‘ cluinnteil ~; gu robh ~ sa chruidh aig an each
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
gliogain: Quotation: Bean-an-tighe a’ gliogain, / Bean-an-tighe a’ glagain, / Bean-an-tighe a dh’ith am biadh, / ’S cha deach i riamh a dh’eaglais.
Location: Lewis
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gliogradh: Quotation: “Well, well, tha iad ag innse dhòmhsa nach eil càil ann an tarbh Hàboist ach g’ eil e gliogradh.” Notes: (Habost) Story of the Habost bull-man, on his death-bed, breaking into the comforting and exhortation of two visitors. (A story of Uncle Neil’s, relayed by my mother.) Dw. has gliogradh, See gliongadh, and for the latter ‘tinkling, act of tinkling, clinking or rattling’.
Location: Lewis
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gliuchddail: [sic] hinding [sic] in an irregular peeping sort of movement commonplace to human beings.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
globhair: Quotation: an globhair [əŋ ɡlɔvɑ̣˖rʹ]. Notes: clover.
Location: Ross of Mull
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
glodhar: Eadar dà bheinn anns na Beannaibh Meadhonach ann an Uig tha àite agus ’se An Glodhar Glas an t-ainm a th’air. Am bealach eadar dà bheinn, mar seo:

Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Cruth na Tìre / Landscape Features
glogaire: Chanadh na bodaich seo ri suaile ’s a’ mhuir. Là a bhiodh am muir lom, rèidh agus gun ghaoth ann, ach luasgadh math ann an déidh sin, chanadh iad gu robh ‘glogaire’ de shuaile ann. (Suaile, no suaibhle, ’s e sin ‘swell’.)
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
glogan an ealachaig: crop of bird.
Location: Glen Lyon
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
glomach: nn ‘puddle’ : pl.: bhiodh ~an mòra do dh’uisge ann
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
glomhair: [ɡ̊lɔ̃ʔẹr] Notes: an instrument to prevent a lamb suckling.
Location: Mull
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
glucail: approaching romance or a female in a ‘touching’ half-shy sort of way, thus: Tha thu ann a shean a’ glucail ris an té sin. Perhaps from gliùc, hide.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gludaranaich: “Bha a’ chlann a’ gludaranaich anns an allt.”
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
glug: liquid motion in an egg when shaken and listened and placed near the ear.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gluin: a ceangal a chlagainn ris an druim. Cumadh:

Location: Na Hearadh, Gòbhaig [Harris, Gobhaig]
Category: Eathraichean / Boats
gluinean: Pl. –an. Clip on side of cart-box for holding sideboards (two on each side). [NOTES: spelled ‘glùinean’ on the slip.]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
glup-tràghad: a pool on an ebb, sandy beach.
Location: [Harris], Scalpaigh [Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
glut: the part above the hip of an animal (the hollow).
Location: South Uist, Bornish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
glutaran: Quotation: an glutaran. Notes: the packing between the double walls of a blackhouse.
Origin: North Uist
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
glutaranaich: (t no d: gludaranaich) “A’ chlann a’ gludaranaich anns an allt.”
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
glutranadh: Quotation: an glutranadh. Notes: the packing between the double walls of a blackhouse.
Location: North Uist, Bayhead, Kylis
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
glèidh: vb ‘win’ : fut.:~idh tu am blàr; fut. rel.: ach ma ghlèidheas mise an cogadh; cond.: bha e ‘ rith m’a chuairt airr a’ chaoraich gus an ~eadh e ‘ chaora a-mach; vbl nn: cò dhiubh ‘
bha e ‘ ~eadh no ‘ call
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
glèidh: Quotation: Ma ghlèidheas mise beanntan Ùige, / Glèidhidh beanntan Ùige mì. – If I hold on to the Uig mountains (stay in), / The Uig mountains will hold me (i.e. protect me). Glèidh an airgiod sin. – Keep that money safely. Glèidh fhéin e. – Keep it yourself as your own. Ghlèidh e cuid dheth. – He kept some of it (unauthorised) to himself. (e.g. one gathering subscriptions)
Origin: West Lewis [the location given on the slips]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
glòir: n. ‘glory’: bha bhiodh fhios agamas fo Dhia na Glòrach dè an dòigh a rachainn ris
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
glòmanachadh: Quotation: glòmanachadh an latha. Notes: daybreak.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
glóran (m): Quotation: Chan eil an glóran air fhàghail agam de mo chuid airgeid. Notes: cluaran?
Location: Harris, Ardhasaig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
glùn: Quotation: an glùn [ɑŋɡɫuun]. Notes: the knee. [NOTES: slipped under ‘glùin’.]
Location: Ross of Mull
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gniamhadh: a’ togail na cruaiche aig an taigh.
Origin: Uibhist-a-Tuath [North Uist]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
gnogan: ’Se gnogan an t-ainm a tha aca ann an Nis air conocag [q.v.], ach ’se conocag a chanas iad an ceann shios an Rudha is air na Lochan. Ciur [sic] ri do chluais te is cluinnidh tu fuaim na mara innte.
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness, Lionel
Category: Maorach / Shellfish
gnos (-ois): snout or the trunk of an elephant.
Origin: Baleshare
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gnothach: n. ‘business; treatment’: rinn na Sasannaich an ~ cho dona dhaibh
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Mira Co., Marion Bridge
Category: Word List
gnothach: n. ‘success’: rinn an Camshronach an ~ air ‘beat’
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
gnothach: nn ‘matter, business’ : shound an ~ cho [o] aite; rinn mise an ~ orm fhèin [‘killed myself’]; 's e sin a rinn an ~ aire-san; bha e ' dol a dhèanamh a' ghnothaich air Giant
MacAskill;
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
gnothaicheal: business capability, directing in an interesting [way?], able in a business-like, or business matters. [NOTES: slipped under ‘gnothaicheil’. Definition: Capable in business.]
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gnàthladh: small collection, as in the event of collecting berries and asked ‘an t’fhuair
sibh gin?’ The answer: ‘Fhuair sinn gnàthladh.’ Still used on Scalpay, Harris in connection
with fishing: gnàthladh sgadain – scatter, small scatter.
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Blàthan-Leighis / Medicinal Plants
gnìomhadh: [Airson stéidheadh (q.v.)] an àiteachan eile. (Faic gnìomhadh.)
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gnùsd: Quotation: Tha an cù a’ gnùsdaich. Notes: The dog is growling.
Location: Tiree, [Caolas? – one slip]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gob: [ɡob] Quot.: Tha gob air an t-uan. Note: when a lamb is born with the lower jaw shorter than the upper.
Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gob an dubhain: [NOTES: slip not found.]
Origin: Geàrrloch (Loch Iubh) [Gairloch (Loch Ewe)]
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
gob-saic: [ɡobsɑiçc] Quotation: an gob-saic. Notes: the snipe.
Location: [see below]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gobhainn: n. ‘blacksmith’: dh’fheumadh a’ gh. an iarann a dhèanamh
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
gobhal: Quotation: ann an gobhal a’ chrann. Notes: between the handles of the plough.
Origin: Islay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gobhar: Quotation: an gobhar-bhacach. Notes: the last sheaf of corn bound at harvest time. It used to be adorned.
Location: Skye, Breakish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gobhar: Quotation: an gobhar breac. Notes: snail with shell.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gobhar-dubh-an-éisg: Notes: the dipper. (Or lòn-dubh-an-éisg, according to D. Robertson, Invergarry.)
Origin: Kinlochourn
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gobhas, no gabhas, ruadh: Coir yarn. Sìoman nan cruachan arbhair. Sìoman na bùtha. Gabhas ruadh – ’Se seo a th’aca air an t-sìoman-sa an ceann shuas na sgìre againne. Ach anns a’ chòrr de an sgìre ’se ‘sìoman Theàrlaich’ a chanas iad ris. B’e Teàrlach fear aig an robh bùth ann an Steòrnabhagh. Cai-àr a chanas na Hearaich ris, tha mi ’n dùil.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gocaman: cuckoo follower. There is a bird often in partnership flight with the cuckoo bird to which [we] refer on Scalpay as an gocaman. [SLIP: “Cuckoo follower” – a bird which often flies with the cuckoo so called.]
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris,Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gocaman-gò: a dangerous – perhaps unreliable better – or an unsteady character, sentinel. [SLIP: An unreliable, unsteady character.]
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris,Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gocan: Quotation: Chan eil ann ach gocan an naire. Notes: a cheeky so-and-so.
Origin: [North Uist?]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gocan: an unbalanced character.
Location: [Harris], Scalpaigh [Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
god: Creutair beag, gu h-àraidh duine. Creutair nach do dh’fhàs leis an fhàs chumanta.

Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
god: [ɡɔd̪] Quot.: “Cha do dh’fhàs god fochann.” “Chaneil god dhan an fhalt ann.” Note: the least amount of something growing like grass or hair.
Origin: [Ness]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
goibhneach’: nn ‘blacksmith’s trade’ : ‘s e obair tha sa gh.; vbl nn: agus bhinn a’ ~ an seo
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
goibhneal (E): Boirionnach caol – chan ann cho caol ri ‘raod’ [q.v.] agus ‘sgriot’ [q.v.] ach dìreach caol gun a bhith cruinn mar boirionnach an cumantas. Agus gun a bhith ro ìosal ’na pearsa. Fuaimnich mar seo: aoi, raoir, coibhneal, goibhneal. [SLIP: A slender woman, though not as thin as ‘raod’ or ‘sgriot’ qv.]
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Nàdur an Duine / Personality
goil: Quotation: Na ghoil an coire? Notes: also crowing – Ciod e ghoilich a tha air na daoine ud! Or does it mean boiling over?
Origin: West Lewis [the location given on the slips]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
goileach: Quotation: Nigh do léine ann an goileach an uillt. Notes: the ‘swirl’ of the stream. Not in Dw.
Location: Lewis
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
goileam: gossip. “Nach ann aice a bha an goileam a raoir.”
Location: North Uist, Carinish, Trianaid House
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
goinigear: Quotation: an goinigear [ə ɡɔ̣̈nʹiɡʹər]. Notes: the supernumerary digits at the back of a cow’s hoof.
Location: Ross of Mull
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
goireach: [ɡɔðɑx] Notes: dull; used to describe the coat of an undernourished beast.
Location: Lewis, Barvas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
goirid: adj. ‘near’ : chaidh duine foghainneach a thogail ~ dhuinn an seo; phòs fear shuas air __ ~ dhuinn do chomharsanach
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
goirisgean: Quotation: “Thig a steach. Dé math dhuit a bhi na do sheasamh a muigh an sin ’na do ghoirisgean.” Notes: a person who is visibly affected by the cold.
Location: Lewis, Barvas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
goirt: Quot.: “Bithidh goirt an ceannach agad air.” “Fhuair e goirt an ceannach air.” “Cha b’ann gun goirt an ceannach.” Note: He suffered a lot for a comparatively little gain.
Origin: [Barvas]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
goirte-siùbhla: [ɡɔʴsṯəʃu̜:ɫə] Quot.: “Feumaidh tu rudeigin a ghabhail mas fhàg thu an goirte-siùbhla againn!” Note: if a woman went into a house for the first time after the birth of her child, she had to accept something before she went. [NOTES: the turned r used for the symbol which is unclear in the original.]
Origin: [Barvas]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gol-fhad: be seo a cheud fhàd s ghearrte anns an t-sreath air taobh a muigh a phuill-mhònadh. Bhiodh e na bu ghairbhe gu h’àrd na bhiodh e gu h’iosal.
Location: South Uist, Peninerine
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
golfhad (m): tha mi air a’ chiall a dhichuimhneachadh ach tha e gle bhitheanta an Uibhist. [The above crossed out and the following added:] Chuimhnich mi air – an dara fàd ’sa pholl.
Origin: Uibhist-a-Tuath [North Uist]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
gonaig: Quotation: Trì là gearraig, / Trì là gonaig, / Trì là sguabaig – / Suas an t-earrach. Notes: Dw. does not seem to have gearrag or gonag (in this sense), but has sguabag, the 3 days being 7th, 8th, and 9th April.
Location: Lewis
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gorm-an-ìuchd: the board in front of the weaver on which the tweed slides down after it is woven.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gormadh: Quotation: gormadh an là. Notes: daybreak.
Location: Skye, Breakish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gormanachadh: a’ toirt an eisg far an dubhain. [SLIP: Airson a bhi [sic] a toirt an éisg far an dubhain.]
Origin: An t-Eilean Sgitheanach [Skye; Skye, Glendale acc. to other questionnaires]
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
gormanaiche: an duine anns an sgioba a tha toirt an eisg far nan dubhan. [SLIP: An duine anns an sgioba a tha a toirt an éisg far an dubhain.]
Origin: An t-Eilean Sgitheanach [Skye; Skye, Glendale acc. to other questionnaires]
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
gormuinn: Quotation: gormuinn an aodaich; gormuinn an t-snàth. Notes: beams on the loom.
Location: Lewis, Barvas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gorra-biod: a person standing still like a statue, e.g. Bha e ann a sid ’na ghorra-biod fad, finn, shuaineach an la air tòm. He was there the livelong day, on a knoll. ‘Bhàsaich e?’ ‘Cò?’ ‘Sean Ghorra-biod.’ We used to say this as children.
Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gorraireachd: loitering about in an inquisitive manner. Gorraidair – a loitering nuisance type.
Location: [Lewis], Ness
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gos: Quotation: Gos an ciall a chur air a muin. Notes: (South Lochs) ‘in order to frighten them out of their wits’. (Said of a boatman – Habost to Laxay – frightening women when he had a boatload of them.)
Location: Lewis
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gothach: Quotation: an gothach [ən ɡɔ̣ʔəx]. Notes: the reed inside the bagpipe drone.
Location: Ross of Mull
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
grabhag: an under-sized peat bank.
Location: Lewis, Carloway
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
graidleachan: Tha ainmeannan eòin agaibh a cheana. Tha aon fhacail (ainm) agam ann an daimh ri eoin is e sin. It may have originated from graibheal – gravel. That is a bird confined to the gravel shore, where he disperses gravel with his feet (perhaps I have already noted same).
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
grain-cuirp: [sic] [hatred] of a milder form [than gràin an aman [sic] q.v.]. [NOTES: slipped under ‘gràin-cuirp’. Definition: Extreme hate – but milder than ‘gràin an anma [sic]’ qv.]
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
grapa crom: [sic] to haul turf out. An grap [sic] fhéin. An t-osan. Cas a’ ghrap [sic].
Origin: Tiree
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
greannach: Quotation: Is ionmhuinn leis an fheannag a h-isean greannach fhein. Source: R. Graham, Breakish, Skye. Date: 07/1974.
Location: [see below]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
greannan: Note: duine greannach. “Cho greannach ri clach-mheallainn an fhaoiltich.”
Origin: Swainbost
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
greim: Quotation: a’ cur an greim [ɡɾ[ɤi]m]. Notes: installing, fixing. (Used when talking about batteries to be put into the wireless.)
Location: Skye, Harlosh
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
greim (m): Quotation: an greim mór. Notes: appendicitis.
Location: Harris, Ardhasaig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
greim-mór: Quotation: an greim-mór. Notes: appendicitis.
Location: Tiree (?)
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
greime-lòin: Quotation: an greime-lòin [ɡɾeməɫɔ:nʹ]. Notes: rheumatism.
Origin: Drumguish, by Kingussie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
griadhladh: (an interesting amount), fair amount, meaning the same as radhladh as a reference to fish in a net. [SLIP: Referring to fish in a net, a ‘fair amount’.]
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris,Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
grian: Quotation: Chaneil fhios am fo ghrian an fhasaich dé tha ceàrr oirre. Notes: I have absolutely no idea.
Location: Lewis, Barvas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
grian: Quot.: “dà ghrian”. Note: false sun as if clouds formed an image of it. Bad weather to follow.
Origin: Ness
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gribheach: Quotation: an gribheach. Notes: measles.
Origin: Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gribheach: Quotation: an gribheach. Notes: measles.
Origin: Islay, Ballygrant
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
grinn: Canaidh sinn ‘grinn’ cuideachd mu dhuine a bhios ’n a aodach ’s mar sin. Snog, glan, sgiobalta. “Tha Calum cho grinn.” “Tha e cho grinn a h-uile turus a théid e a mach.” “Tha e ’ga chumail fhéin cho grinn.” Canaidh sinn ‘grinn’ cuideachd mu ghrinn ann an giùlan. [SLIP: Tidy; also ‘fine’ of behaviour.]
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Nàdur an Duine / Personality
griochaireachd: rock scratching as reference to an inshore or boat that will not go very far from the shore as: Tha iad ann an shid, neo tha i ann a shid, a’ griochaireachd ris a’ chladach.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
grioglachan: Quotation: an grioglachan. Notes: Seven Sisters.
Origin: North Uist
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
grioglaidean: an assortment of fancy ware, china material etc, cups and saucers, pins and needles (so to speak). [SLIP: Grioglaidean (plural). Assortment of fancy ware; china.]
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
grisichean: [ɡɾiʃiçən] Quotation: “Bha tiormachd uamhasach ann … na barran, móran dhiubh cha ghabhadh iad cuir ann an grisichean.”
Location: Strathtummel
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
griupag (I): Boirionnaich nach eil air leth tarruingeach air dhòigh sam bith. ’N am pearsa, beag. ’S mar sin. Cuideachd nach tugadh dhuit móran (no nì sam bith) mun a faigheadh i uibhir eile air a shon. “’Se griupag a th’innte.” Bha Taillear Eadar-dha-Fhaodhail aig an robh am bus, a’ tighinn eadar Steòrnabhagh agus an t-Acha Mór. Ghoid cailleach anns a’ bhus ball bathair a bh’aig fear de na bh’ann. Nuair a fhuair Pàdruig (an Taillear) a mach có a rinn a’ ghoid ’s e an rud a thuirt e ris a’ chaillich: “A ghriupag ghrànda, nan robh fhios agam-sa gur h-e thus’ a bh’ann.”

Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Nàdur an Duine / Personality
grod: n. ‘rot’: bha sin a’ ~adh an fheadha
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
grod: vb ‘rot’ : vbl adj.: bha an tuagh ann agus an t-amhach ~ta innte
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
groga: an old ewe. [NOTES: slipped under ‘groga (croga)’.]
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
grogach: out of ease, out of tune, through after effects of alcohol, drink. (I have heard the expression:) ’S ann grogach a the e. Perhaps similar to an old ewe, etc. [SLIP: Out-of-sorts, e.g. with hangover.]
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
grothain: Quotation: an grothain [ə ɡrɔ̣̈ʔɑ˖nʹ]. Notes: split hoof of an ungulate.
Location: Ross of Mull
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gruamal: surly. Tha an aon ghruamal air.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gruidheam: a meal something like black pudding. When cattle had come down from shieling there was a custom of extracting blood since the cattle were healthy enough after their summer pasturage on the shieling land. This blood was boiled and then salted in a container and set aside as an ‘aindeal geamhraidh’. When it was needed it was put in a pot with fat and onions. Eaten with bread like a black pudding.
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
grunnadaireachd: “C’àit am bheil na balaich?” “Tha iad a’ grunnadaireachd anns an fhadhail.” – A muigh anns an uisge anns an fhadhail, na tha fosgailte dhuibh.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
grunnan: Quotation: an grunnan. Notes: = grioglachan. The Pleiades.
Origin: Skye
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
grunnd: Quotation: a’ ceannach a’ ghruinnd. Notes: buying the portion of land. A custom, which may yet be carried on in Nerebus, of throwing a silver coin into the open grave unnoticed. Said to be an old Irish Catholic custom. There used to be a chapel there which was a branch of Londonderry seminary. G. C.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
grunnd: nn ‘[sea]bed’ : chaidh iomdha rud an ~ a’ chuain; fhuair e ‘-mach gun deachaidh an Titanic fodha dhan gh. [u:]; nach deachaigh nighean an Diabhail dhen Titanic a chur dhan
ghrunnd
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
grunnd glan: Grunnd iasgaich gun bhoghannan no a leithid sin ann. An cumantas airson lìon-beag a chur ann. Dh’fhoighnich bodaich á Leòdhas do bhodaich mhór-thìreach aig Bad-a-chrò, “Am bheil an grunnd-sa glan?” Fhreagair bodaich Bhad-a-chrò, “Cho glan ri bonn leth-chrùin”.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gruth: Quotation: an gruth [əŋ ɡ̊rʊ]. Notes: crowdie.
Location: Ross of Mull
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gruthan an èisg: good for gut. Cooked in a ‘bonnach’.
Origin: [Barra]
Category: Blàthan-Leighis / Medicinal Plants
gràgain: [ɡɾɑ:ɡɑṉ] Quotation: Tha an té ud a’ gràgain. Notes: e.g. an old woman complaining and moaning.
Location: Canada, Christmas Island
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gràin: nn ‘hate, disgust’ : ò, tha ~ agam fhìn air an nathair; chan e sin a th’ orm idir ach ‘ tha do gh. agam air a’ __ nuair a thig iad leis na pilleachan mosach
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
gràin an aman: [sic] extreme hate (in connection with the soul). [NOTES: slipped under ‘gràin’ with a note ‘in phrase:–’ gràin an aman (sic – ‘anam’ meant?)’. Definition: Extreme hate.]
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gràinean: Quotation: an gràinean. Notes: the grain in wood. Gràinean dlùth/teann – close (trees in cool climate). Gràinean fosgailte – open (trees in hot climate).
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gràmar: n. ‘grammar’: airson a’ gh. Gàidhlig a bhith agad, feumaidh tu an~ Beurla fhaighinn an toiseach; is gun an ~ ceart agam
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
gràpa dìreach: graip used for spreading of both ‘innear’ and ‘feamainn’ on field before ploughing. Sometimes known as ‘gràpa cartach’. Crois a’ ghràpa – handle. Cas a’ ghràpa – shaft. Na meuran (always 4) – prongs. (Chan e “meòir” ann an Tiriodh.)
Origin: Tiree
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
gràs: nn ‘grace’ : pl.: ‘s e ~an Dia ‘ tha ‘ dèanamh a chuile sian; gen. pl.: air son Dia nan ~an!; co meud pearsa ‘ bh’ ann an Dia nan ~an; Dia nan ~an!
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
gréim: Quotation: an gréim mór. Notes: An old name for what may have been appendicitis. Dw. gives greim-mór ‘pleurisy’ (from DMy, Lewis).
Location: Lewis
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gréim: Quotation: an gréim. Notes: pneumonia. (Not in Dw.)
Location: Lewis
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gréim an t-seòldair: First-aid carry, no ambulance carry, no rudeigin de’n t-seòrsa sin a th’air. Tha breith air caol do dhùirn leis an dàrna làimh agus an duine eile mu do choinneamh a’ deanamh an aon rud. Sibh an uair sin a breith air a chèile ’s an dòigh cheart. Leis an sin, tha suidheachan agad leis am falbhadh tu le duine air.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
grìp: a scowl. Tha grìp air leis an fhuachd. (Harris)
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
grìp: frown. Grìp air leis an fhuachd.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gròb: Quotation: a’ gròbadh an fhiodh. Notes: mould.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gròbadh: Quotation: Bheir gròbadh dhan an uinneig. Tha gròbadh air an dorus. Notes: slightly open.
Origin: Harris
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gròcadh: eyeing something stealthily. “Cha ruig thu leas a bhi gròcadh air an sin.”
Location: South Uist, Daliburgh
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
grògan: confused. Chaidh e ’na ghrògan orm – in trying to piece an article or vocally when confusion comes into the matter, the term as noted is expressed, to explain… [SLIP: Confusion, whether in trying to piece an article together, or in speech.]
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gròic: used of an incompetent joiner / tradesman.
Origin: Barra
Category: Nàdur an Duine / Personality
grùdair: Quot.: “Cha do rinn an grùdair a’ leann sin.” Note: “I won’t be bought.” Used by someone when he sees someone trying to get one over him or fool him in some way. As if to say “Cha teid mo thoirt a thaobh.”
Origin: [Caversta]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
grùthan: Quotation: Thàinig an grùthan ann. Notes: He grew tired.
Origin: Barra
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
grùthan: Quotation: an grùthan. Notes: the liver.
Location: Invergarry, North Laggan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
grùthan: Quotation: an grùthan [əŋɡ̃ruu-ɑ˖n]. Notes: the liver.
Location: Ross of Mull
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gu dubhlanach: defiantly. “Sheas e gu dubhlanach an aghaidh a namhaid.”
Location: South Uist, West Kilbride
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gu siolar: in abundance, prolifically. “Bha seagal a’ fàs gu siolar aig an àm sin.”
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
guaineis: romantic association. “Na daoine ris an robh mi guaineis.”
Location: South Uist, Milton
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gual: a smudge on the hands or face (not of coal as coal had never been in use of old in Point, Lewis). Anyone having a smudge on the face and not knowing of it would be told: “Cuir do làmh far am beil an gual ort agus gheibh thu do roghainn”. ‘Gual’ is also the black formed on the outside of pots and pans exposed to an open flame. Still also ‘gual’ was the name for cold peat embers. Sgùradh le gual – before the advent of abrasive cleansers, a damp cloth dipped in a very finely crushed cold peat ember would be used on metal in place of sand paper or emery paper. And ‘gual’ for something burnt to a cinder – “Chaidh e ’na ghual dubh.”
Origin: Eileanaich [natives of Lewis]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
gualainn: aig an toiseach.
Location: [Harris], Leverburgh
Category: Togail Bhàtaichean / Boat-Building
guaran: nn : tha an ~ ann, ‘am burdock’
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
gucag: Quotation: guc(hd)ag [ɡu̟xkɑɡ]. Notes: the shell of an egg.
Origin: Glenurquhart
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gucag: Notes: shell of an egg after it has been emptied.
Origin: North Uist
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gucag: Quotation: Bha gucagan air bàrr an uisge. Notes: bubble.
Origin: Skye
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
guga: baby solan goose. [See eisean-an-t-sulaire.]
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gugalaghù no fiog-falach-fead: hide and seek. The player who had to ‘seek’ the others had the following to recite after he had finished counting up to the previously agreed upon number: “Gugalaghù air a chathair / Ma tha duine air mo chùlthaobh / No air mo bheulthaobh, / Sgiob air a shon, tha mise ri ’g eiridh.” Anyone trying to take an unfair advantage by staying too close to the ‘cathair’ was thus automatically counted out.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig
Category: Cur-seachadan: Dèideagan, Geamaichean is Farpaisean / Recreation: Toys, Games, Contests
gugan: a baby’s ‘toilet’. An do rinn thu do ghugan?
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
guidh[e]: nn ‘curse’: ai’ son robaireachd no rudeigin [ADM] -- ‘s e no ~ [FMM]; tha feadhain ann aig a bheil droch gh.; well, chan eil e lucky do dhuine sam bith -- cò dhiubh ‘ bhitheas [gu]s
nach bi -- ged nach dèanadh pears’-eaglais’ sam bith, ~ do dhuine ’son a dhèanamh; ‘s e sin an ~ ‘ tha mise ‘ dèanamh dhuibh
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
guileag (an): XVIII common cockle.
Location: Mull [see below for details]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
guirmean-an-t-sléibh: a plant from which the colour of blue was taken. There was another form of ‘guirmean’, a chalk like form of dye which produced a bluish colour or blue colour for dying wool.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
guisaid: a gusset. A tailor would split the waistband of a trouser that was too tight. Would then place an extra bit of cloth in this space thereby widening the waist. Shaped like this. [NOTES: corrected to ‘gusaid’.]
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
guite: a circular wooden scoop. Had an oblong addition at one end. Used as a scoop to put seed in bags. [NOTES: note added – = sgùirt.]
Location: South Uist, South Boisdale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gulm (-an): a cataract, film on eye.
Location: Barra, Northbay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gulm, an: cataract on eye. Also in sense of a dark spot in corn ears.
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gun: prep. ‘without; not’: bha na h-òrain air an dèanamh airson sin, gun ai’son sian eile
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
gun: cop. pres. with gu.= gur]: tha e ‘ smuaineachadh ~ còir dhomh-se chuile rud a thoirt dha; dh’innis e dhomh __ ~ tusa a chaidh an urras air
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
guradh: waning. Tha e ann an shid a’ guradh leis fhein or e ’g guradh leis an acras.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gurmalaich: [ɡu̟ɾu̟mɑɫiç] Quot.: “Dé an gurmalaich a th’ort?” Note: moaning, complaining.
Origin: [Barvas]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gurrucan: nn ‘hunkers': rinn e ~ air an ù'lar [FMM]
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
gus: Quotation: Gus am bris an là. – until … Thainig e gus an abhainn. – to … Gus a bhoinneag ma dheireadh. – unto the last drop. Chaidh e gus a faigheadh e mach. – so that he would find out.
Origin: West Lewis [the location given on the slips]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gus an adha dhubh a chur a mach: utter exhaustion.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig
Category: Cur-seachadan: Dèideagan, Geamaichean is Farpaisean / Recreation: Toys, Games, Contests
gus an gog a thoirt suas: utter exhaustion.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig
Category: Cur-seachadan: Dèideagan, Geamaichean is Farpaisean / Recreation: Toys, Games, Contests
gusemaid [sic]: a difficult task set before you. “Nach ann dhut a chaidh a’ ghusamaid a dheanamh an diugh.”
Location: South Uist, Lochcarnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
guth: nn ‘voice’ : cha b’ urrainn dhomh ~ a ghràdhainn ri gin diubh; chaidh gearradh a dhèanamh air mo cheann an latha seo ach cha robh ~ agam ‘no harm’; chan eil guth sgoileadh agam;
thuiginn a chuile ~
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
guth-an-eòin: voice of the bird. Biblical term, etc.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gàbhaidh: adj. ‘awful, terrible’: cho ~ foghainneach 's a bha e; tha sìde ~ aca; chan eil i cho ~ fuar ri seo; dh’atharraich an saoghal ~; ‘s e bòcan ~ a tha sna skidoos seo
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
gàilleach: Quotation: an gàilleach. Notes: the sewn part from the lacing going towards the heel in a shoe. (See Dw.)
Origin: North Uist
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gàilleach: Quotation: an gàilleach. Notes: growths in the mouth in cattle; stream of saliva coming from the mouth.
Origin: Islay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gàinne: gàine [sic] an dubhain (barb of the hook).
Location: Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gàin’-an-latha: daybreak, (or at) sunrise. [See làr-an-latha.] Perhaps the two terms originated from one another. (Unheard now in Scalpay, old terms.) [SLIP: Prob. < gainnead an latha – ‘scarcity of day’. > daybreak, sunrise.]
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gàin’-an-latha: already noted but to define it was pronounced accented. But the definition point is: gainne-an-latha, gainnead-an-latha – scarcity of day is my definition of it. Lànachd an latha – làn-neairt – deireadh an latha.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gàir: Quotation: Tha an duin’ [ɡɑ:ɾɑxk]. Notes: The man is laughing.
Location: Achlyness
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gàir: Quotation: A’ caoidh an gàir a rinn thu ’n uiridh.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gàireachdaich: ’Se ‘gàireachdaich’ a th’againne. Ach Càrlabhagh ’s àiteachan mar sin sìos an Taobh Siar, ’se ‘gàireachdan’ (gàir’uch gun) agus ‘gàireachdainn’ a chanas iad. Tachraidh seo gu math ri fear na phonetics agaibh, bidh mi cinnteach.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gàradh: gàradh de an mhòine air a dheanamh air bearradh a’ phuill airson barrachd ruma a thoirt dhuit no airson na h-uibhir de mhaise a thoirt do’n obair. Dà sheorsa gàraidh: gàradh cumanta, gàradh-air-oir.

Origin: [Lewis, Uig]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
gàradh: Quotation: an gàradh. Notes: a small enclosed plot near the house in which early potatoes and a variety of vegetables such as kail, cabbage, turnip, carrot were planted. (Stone wall.)
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gàradh: Quotation: an gàradh cloiche (pl. gàraidean). Notes: dry-stone dyke.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gàradh: dòigh air nam fadan a chur air muin an cheile air bruaich a phuill air chor sgun tiormaich iad na’s fhearr. Cuideachd far eil am poll domhain ‘se gun móran sgaoiltich a mach uaithe.

Origin: [Taransay]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
gàradh an arbh: Dyke surrounding arable land.
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
gàradh-cruidh: a structure to prevent cattle from coming on an unauthorised portion of grassland.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gàrradh an t-slamain: Notes: Not in Dwelly. The turf wall, within which the cattle must not go for a certain time after returning from the shieling. Slaman ‘curdled milk’ – the milk would have had to be carried home a considerable distance, thus tending to become curdled (?).
Location: Lewis
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gàth: (Staffin, Skye) Close to, adjacent. Gàth ris an fhàrdaich.
Origin: [Skye]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gèabht: (Fuaimnich mar ‘sia’ (six) + ‘t’.) Chan fhaca mi am facal-sa a riamh sgrìobhte. Nuair a bhiodh am feur ’s an t-arbhar bog, fliuch as t-fhoghar, chanadh na bodaich: “A h-uile càil ’na ghèabht.”
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
géisgeadh: [ɡʹe:ʃɡʹəɣ] Quot.: “an eathar a’ géisgeadh leis an teas”. Note: creaking.
Origin: [Barvas]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
géugan: Quotation: “An géugan iosal taisgeil.” Notes: a slit below in the left ear (ear-marks of sheep).
Origin: West Lewis [the location given on the slips]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gòlaidean (pl.): rudan beag – seadh ‘falderals’. (An t-E. Sgitheanach)
Location: [various]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gòm: galar-chearc. (An t-E. Sg.)
Location: [various]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gòrdag: [ɡɔ:rdɑɡ] Quotation: [ɡɔ:rdɑɡ fe:r] ‘an armload of hay, grass’. Notes: Common to Brora, Golspie, and Embo. (Presumably <gàrrdeag> [?] ‘an armload’.) Source: Mr and Mrs Kenneth MacKay, 16 Gate St., Embo. Date: winter 1968.
Location: Sutherland [see below]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gùcag: an eye shaped lens onto which drops would be placed and from this put into your eye.
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gùirain: sligean cruaidh a gheibhear air fiodh air an tràigh.
Location: Harris, Sgarastamhor
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
gùn iasaid: going back to a time when money was not so available this refers to a wedding dress which could be borrowed within a community. Following verse associated with this practice. “Cuir dhachaidh e, cuir dhachaidh e an gùn iasaid, Cuir dhachaidh e, cuir dhachaidh e mu’n tig teachdaire ga iarraidh.”
Location: South Uist, Lochcarnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
heile: adj. [= eile] ‘other’: agus uair ~ a theireadh iad air toiseach an earraich,’ uair a’ ghille chonnaidh’ [FMM]; heile: am-miosg nàiseinean heile [FMM]; bha am fear ~[FMM]; còmhla ri
duine heile [FMM]
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
hobail (E agus I mar a fhreagradh): Tha mi deanamh a mach gur h-ann airson cho coltach ’s a bha an seorsa similear-sa ri sgiortaichean nam boirionnach a chaidh an t-ainm ‘hobail’ a thogail. Agus lean e ris.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
hug is oireann: refrain. Thug e hug is oireann air. – giving a good backing, an energetic approach to anything. In another form: Cha b’fhiach e óró gheallaidh…
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
hùb-hàb: in turmoil – not in Mull. [NOTES: this word was provided as an example by the authors of the questionnaire. Mr Boyd crossed it out and added the note ‘not in Mull’.]
Origin: Muile (ceann a tuath) [Mull (the north side)]
Category: Coltas an Duine / Personal Appearance
hùp hàp: Quotation: Tha an taigh ’na thùp-thàp. Notes: in disarray, untidy, topsy-turvy.
Location: Harris, Ardhasaig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
iacladh: Quotation: Cha do rinn e iacladh turaidh an diugh. Notes: a short break in a rainy day.
Location: Skye, Breakish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
iadnach: stoppage, halt. “Cha deach iadnach air fad an latha.”
Location: Skye
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Iain a’ Ghròta: pers. nn ‘John o’ Groats’: gen.: ‘cuiridh mi an taigh ~ thu!’ [MAE]
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
Iainagan: for Iain. An Aird man heard this in Glenmoriston many years ago.
Location: Inverness
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
iallag [?] an fhraoich: shrew.
Location: South Uist, South Boisdale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ian dubh an sgadain: puffin; razor-bill; guillemot.
Origin: [Tiree]
Category: Eòin Thiriodh / Birds of Tiree
ian-dubh: Aig na h-iasgairean b’e seo alca, tàmhaidh, gearra-breac, ’s mar sin, a’ cur eadar-dhealachadh eadar iad seo agus na h-eòin gheala, faoileagan, sùlairean, pulasdairean, ’s mar sin, a bhiodh a’ ruith an éisg. “Bha pailteas ian air Camus Fibhig an diugh – an t-ian-dubh.”
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
iarann ris an druim: Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
iarann-gearraidh: n. ‘cutting iron’: bhiodh an t-~ ann anseo
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
iargainn: An Iargainn (Carnish).
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Cruth na Tìre / Landscape Features
iarnachan: (also) hanks. Na linn mhóra air an crochadh nan iarnachan. [NOTES: slipped under ‘iarna’ with ‘plural: iarnachan’ and the above example as the quotation.]
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
iarr: vb ‘ask’: past: dh’~ e __ iad a dhol; dh’~ e air am faodadh e pìosan beaga __ a thoirt leis [DAG]; dh’~ i air an rachadh e dh’obair dhi; vbl nn.:ma gheibh thu ìm gun ~aidh sa
mhadainn; dh’fheumadh an t-ìm ‘ dhol air a’ bhòrd gun ~aidh, chan eil math dhut ‘ ~aidh
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
iarunn: = fear ’sa pholl agus fear air an treisgeir. 2 men to 1 iarunn – one cutting – one throwing out peat. 3-4 iaruinn sufficient for a year’s supply.
Origin: Barra
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
iarunn: Quotation: an iarunn siubhail. Notes: the iron hook on the wheel axle of spinning wheel.
Origin: North Uist
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
iarunn: Quotation: (1) an iarunn bonn. (2) an iarunn cliathaich. Notes: (1) the edge plate of the plough. (2) the bottom plate of the plough.
Origin: Islay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
iarunn: Quotation: an t-iarunn. Notes: iron strip to protect the keel of a boat.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
iarunn aig an robh coiseachd (no ceum) math: a satisfactory [peat] iron with a long knife.
Origin: Eileanaich [natives of Lewis]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
iarunn-tàillean: [iɤʴṉt̪ɑ:lʹɑṉ] Notes: heard an old woman say this for “goffering iron”. (?) [NOTES: the turned r used for the symbol which is unclear in the original.]
Location: Sutherland, Kinlochbervie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
iasad: Quotation: Tha móran obair ann an each iasaid.
Location: Skye, Breakish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
iasg: Quotation: an iasg gheal. Notes: the salmon was sometimes referred to as this.
Location: Ross-shire, Achiltibuie, Alltan Dubh
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
iasg: Quotation: an iasg gheal. Notes: the salmon was referred to as this.
Location: Ross-shire, Achiltibuie, Alltan Dubh
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
iasg-geal: daoine bha ag obair ag glacadh bhradan leis na lin an àiteachan sònraichte mu’n chladach theirte mu’n déidhinn “gun robh iad anns an iasg-gheal”.
Origin: Geàrrloch (Loch Iubh) [Gairloch (Loch Ewe)]
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
iast: an old Gaelic word meaning holiday. “Bha mi a falbh air iast bho chionn dà sheachduin.”
Location: North Uist, Iollathraigh [Illeray]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
iat: Quotation: Chaidh e gus an dorus iat. Notes: He went to the lower door. I never came across this word anywhere else and do not know what it means: but it was used in this sense of the lower door, or the furthest away.
Origin: West Lewis [the location given on the slips]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
idriseach: [idʹəɾıʃɑx] Note: fidgety. Also “idris”. “Seall an [ˈıdʹəɾiʃ] a th’ann!”
Origin: Carloway, Doune
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
idrisgeach: an unstable character; nervous, fidgety is a better word for it. Duine idrisgeach th’ann. (Scalpay or Harris)
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Ifrinn: top. nn ‘Hell’ : : dh’fhaodadh sibh a chluinnteil ann an ~ [i:ŕ-]
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
imeach (?) (f): eadar an dà charcair [q.v.] ach their cuid againn gur e th’ann (a) [refers to the illustration under ‘carcair’]. Chan’eil e agamsa ach “air an imich” agus mar thubhairt mi ’n toiseach.
Origin: Geàrrloch (Loch Iubh) [Gairloch (Loch Ewe)]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
imleag: Quotation: an imleag. Notes: the hub, or nave of the wheel (cart).
Origin: Islay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
imlich-a-chorragan: best part, an interesting portion, etc.
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
impire: “’S easgaich gach droch impire an taigh duine eile.” Impire – used for a worker.
Location: South Uist, Iochdar, Ardivachar
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
imrich: [ĩməðiç] Quot.: “Na chuir sibh a mach an imrich fhathast?” “An d’thug sibh dhachaidh an imrich fhathast.” Note: the clothing, utensils, etc. which were taken to the shieling at the beginning of summer and brought back at the end of the season.
Origin: [Lewis], Arnol
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
imsging: an overful, or crowded, closet, hut, apartment.
Origin: [Strathglass]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
inbhichte: adj. ‘adult’: ach, theirinn, an duine ~, nach b’ e sin an t-àite idir dha
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
inneadh: [ĩnʹəɣ] Quotation: Thainig an inneadh orm or Tha inneadh air a chlò. Notes: when there isn’t enough weft to finish off the tweed.
Origin: North Uist
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
inneadh: Quot.: “Thàinig an t-inneadh orm.” Note: when weaving, if extra yarn is needed for weft to finish the tweed.
Location: Harris, Quidinish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
inneadh/inneamh: Notes: want, or piece short, used in weaving context. Has been used of a precentor who used C/M tune for L/M Psalm. Dol an inneamh: be obliged to (Harris).
Location: Harris, Ardhasaig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
inneag: note. (From ‘inneas’ perhaps a corruption, it’s an obsolete word, I think.)
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
inneal ùillidh: an oil can.
Location: South Uist, Daliburgh
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
inneal-tarraing: Quotation: Chan eil an t-inneal-tarraing aice. Notes: She has no sex-appeal. Dw. has inneal-tarruing, but only in the sense of ‘capstan’.
Location: Lewis
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
innealaich: Quotation: Tha mo làmhan air innealachadh leis an fhuachd. Notes: numbed.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
inneamh: Very often when tweed is issued (i.e. warp and weft), there isn’t enough weft (cura) issued to finish the tweed. The amount of ‘cura’ short is known as ‘inneamh’. “Cha d’fhuair mi air an clò a chriochnachadh a raoir, oir bha tri slàt [sic] de dh’inneamh orm.”
Location: Lewis, Keose
Category: Obair na Clòimhe / Wool-Working
innean: Quotation: an t-innean [ətʹenʹɑ̃ṉ]. Notes: the ankle.
Origin: Sutherland, Embo
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
innean: Quotation: Cuiridh mi mo cheann air innean dhuit. Notes: I will put my head on an anvil for you, I am so sure of my point.
Location: Islay, Port Wemyss
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
innear: Quotation: a’ cur a mach an innear; a’ sgaoileadh an innear.
Location: Invergarry, North Laggan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
innear-chal (f): pigeon manure. Obtained from caves in Ceann a’ Bhara. An innear as treasa. Bha i tioram mar mhin, agus bha feadhainn a’ cumail a-mach gum b’i an innear as fhèarr – na bu bheairtiche.
Origin: Tiree
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
innisgich: [ĩṉıʃɡʹiç] Quot.: “ag innisgeachadh daoine airson a dhol an aghaidh a chèile”. Note: inciting.
Origin: [Ness]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
innleachd: n. tha cuimhne a’m nuair a thàinig a ~ an ùra(?)
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Mira Co., Marion Bridge
Category: Word List
iochdair: Quotation: iochdair an tighe. Notes: the byre end of the blackhouse.
Location: North Uist, Bayhead, Kylis
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
iochdar an tighe: the room.
Origin: Barra
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
ioll: an ell. Measurement of cloth, about 45 inches.
Location: North Uist, Iollaraigh [Illeray]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ioma-ghaoth: an eddy, swirling wind, i.e. around a house.
Origin: [Note: From North Uist, information from Alex O’Henley / RÓM 4 Dec 2023]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
iomadach: adj. ‘numerous’: thàinig ~ tàilleir a-nall an seo
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Mira Co., Marion Bridge
Category: Word List
iomair: Quotation: (Keose) Iomair, Ailein, fodh’ a Ruairidh, sud a’ phoit a’ tighinn an uachdair – mar a thuirt a Hearach nuair a chunnaic e a’ phéileag.
Location: Lewis
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
iomaire an fhoghair: strip of croft land ploughed for potatoes which would be consumed by the household. Machair potatoes were kept for seed or for selling. Not convinced this was a widespread practice.
Location: North Uist, Iollathraigh [Illeray]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
iomairt: [ĩməʴṯ] Quot.: “Bha i ann an iomairt uamhasach mu a dheidhinn.” Note: in confusion. [NOTES: the turned r used for the symbol which is unclear in the original.]
Origin: Kershader
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
iomairt: (in a) strait. Bha e ann an iomairt a bha garbh.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
iomchaidh: adj. ‘suitable, fitting’: chì e fhèin, dh’fhaodte, an t-àm, a bhios e ‘ smaoineach’, tha mi ~ airson ‘ dhol a-mach
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
iomlaid: [w̃məɫɑdʹ] Quotation: a’ deanamh iomlaid. Notes: an exchange, exchanging.
Location: Skye, Breakish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
iomradh: Quotation: Tha iomradh agam air an duine sin. Notes: Tha seòrsa de chuimhne agam air an duine sin.
Location: Ross-shire, Aultbea
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ionad: n. ‘degree (temperature)’: dh’fhaodte gum biodh ~ an uair sin SEE neo-nì
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
iorram: [ȷu̜rɑm] Note: applied to the wailing of women formerly when a funeral cortege was leaving a house. “Ag iorram.” “An e so Uilleam, bhiodh e a’ falbh leis an iorram.” – local, said on meeting a dejected-looking person.
Origin: [Lewis], Arnol
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
iorram: rowing song but: Tha e air an aon iorram ud o mhaduinn.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris,Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
iorram: (also) continual complaining. Tha ’n aon iorram air an còmhnuidh.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
iorrapais: would be said of an excitable or nervous person or animal – “Dè an iorrapais a tha air an fhear ud.”
Location: North Uist, Iollaraigh [Illeray]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
iosgaideach (E): Duine, mór an cumantas, agus iosgaidean móra, fada aige. Biodh e trom no caol. [SLIP: A big man with large thighs.]
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Nàdur an Duine / Personality
iriosal: Humble. “Tha Domhnull cho iriosal ri duine an àite sam bith”. “Tha e cho beag uaill [q.v.]”
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Nàdur an Duine / Personality
iris: an ròpa, anns na taobhaistean, leis an robhar a’ giùlain a’ chléibh.
Origin: Borraraig [Skye, Boreraig]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
iris: ròp an ceangal ris a’ chliabh aig na tabhaisdean [q.v.].

Origin: Camaschros an sgìre Shléite san Eilean Sgitheanach [Skye, Camus Chroise]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
iris: an ropa a bhiodh a [sic] as a chliabh as e tarsuinn air uchd an duine bha tarruing a chleibh.
Location: South Uist, Peninerine
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
iris: nam biodh iad [i.e. cearcan] gu h-àrd an tigh nan cearc bha iad “air an iris”.
Origin: Geàrrloch (Loch Iubh) [Gairloch (Loch Ewe)]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
iris: an ball, nan crios a bha laighe tarsainn uchd fhir-an-eallaich ’sa bha cumail a chleibh air a dhruim. Cliabh-droma le iris, làn moine:

Origin: [Taransay]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
isean-an-Fhulmair: Fulmar petrel (bird).
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
islig (I): Anns an islig. Cha b’ e “air an islig” a chanadh sinn idir. Cha chreid mi nach canadh iad “anns an islig” mu an duine air a’ bhòrd-sa mu’n deadh e do an chiste agus nuair a bhiodh è anns a’ chiste, fhad ’s a bhiodh e a stigh.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Bàs is Adhlacadh / Death and Burial
iteach: Quotation: an iteach. Notes: first row put on the creel, at the mouth.
Location: Islay, Port Wemyss
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
iteachan: n. ‘reel’: an t-~ [əɲ ʧhiçt´əxan]; cho luath ri ~ cuibhle [içt´əxan ku͜il´ə]
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
iteachan: nn ‘bobbin(?): ~, bidh e aca ‘ cur snàth ris [?], a’ figheadaireachd; chuireadh tu an t-~ sa spòl
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
iteag: Quotation: air an iteag. Notes: flying.
Location: Sutherland, Durness, Laide, Portnacon
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ith: Quotation: Ithibh agus òlaibh, tha gu leòir an tigh Sheumais.
Location: Islay, Port Wemyss
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
itheadh-an-t-sùlaire: gluttonous eating, down the gullet in a jiffy. [NOTES: slipped under ‘ith’ and under ‘sùlair’ with ‘itheadh an t-sùlaire’ as the quotation. Definition: Gluttonous eating.]
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
iulla: [ȷu̜ɫə] Quot.: “Bha sinn ag iulla an raoir.” Note: fly-fishing from a boat, the rod itself pointing downwards into the water, the tip being at the required depth.
Origin: Carloway, Doune
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
iullach: Quotation: Chaidh na h-iullaich an àirde an uairsin. Notes: a howl. Said of a child starting to howl.
Location: Lewis, Barvas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
iung: [ȷɤ̃ɣ] Quot.: “a’ cur iung ann an aodach”. Note: inserting a piece of material (usually triangular shaped) in a garment to widen it.
Location: Lewis, Uig, Crowlista
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
iungh: [jɤ̃ɣ:] Quotation: Bha iungh air a thoirt bhon an dàrna taobh agus air fhuaigheal air an taobh eile. Notes: when making shirts out of flour-bags, a long narrow triangular strip was taken off one edge and fitted on the other side to make a more favourable shape.
Location: Lewis, Barvas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
keal an skuab (f): binding the sheaf.
Location: [Arran? see the comment under 3]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
King’s Evil: King’s Evil wound cured through the seventh member of a family, a boy or girl of
a successive line, that is, a family of [sic] having a member male or female, the seventh
coming one after another in this order so to speak: the first arrival being a boy, or an
arrival being a boy, and the next a boy, a boy, a boy till seven, the seventh is accounted
for. He is the healer in this case, using a formula representing the case. (I have seen a
patient who received this mode of cure, it was believed in extensively on
Harris.)
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Blàthan-Leighis / Medicinal Plants
kúrst an dècon: [NOTES: ‘d’ is circled possibly to indicate pronunciation – (nasalisation?).]
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
kúrst an teshàn/teshon: Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
La an Tiomchioll Ghearraidh: Circumcision.
Origin: Barra
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
la an trosgaidh: Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
La Feill an Teaghlaich Naoimh: Feast of the Holy Family (Sunday in Octave of Christmas).
Location: South Uist, Daliburgh
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
La Feill Baisteadh an Tighearna: Baptism of the Lord (Sunday after 6th January).
Location: South Uist, Daliburgh
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
La Fheill Chriosda an Righ: Feast of Christ the King (last Sunday before Advent).
Location: South Uist, Daliburgh
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
labadh: benumbed. Tha e air labadh leis an fhuachd. [SLIP: Numb with cold.]
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
labhag, pl. labhagan: an old boot.
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ladair: Quotation: an ladair. Notes: collection plate.
Origin: Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ladarnach: Note: dàna, an-uasal gun mhodh. “Cho ladarna [sic] ri madadh coin gun mhaighstir [?].”
Origin: Swainbost
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ladhar: Quotation: an ladhar mór. Notes: toe.
Location: Islay, Bowmore
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ladhar: Quotation: ladhar an ùird. Notes: the claw of a hammer.
Location: Tiree, Caolis
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ladhran: [ɫoorən] [?] Notes: split hoof of an ungulate.
Location: Ross of Mull
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
lag: nn ‘hollow’ : bha ~ againn shuas air a’ bheinn; tha Lag an Duine Dhuibh air
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
lag (E): [Lag agus slag.] ’S iongantach gu bheil móran deifir eadar na dhà-sa an àite sam bith.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Cruth na Tìre / Landscape Features
lag-a-ghéilein: sinews of the mouth, etc. A thanga [sic] a muigh cho fada ’s a leigeadh lagannan a ghéilean [sic]. [NOTES: originally the headword was spelled ‘lag-a’-ghéilean’ like the word in the example. Then it was corrected to ‘lag-a-ghéilein’ but the word in the example was left unchanged, possibly through an oversight.]
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
lag-bhard: (lag’-bhard) Bha am mult mór aig Dòmhnull a’ leum a’ ghàraidh a h-uile turus agus a’ tighinn do an phìos arbhair aig Tarmod (do an aon phìos a h-uile turus). Bha e an déidh lag’-bhard eagalach a dheanamh air pìos Tharmoid.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
lagais: [ɫɑɡiʃ] Notes: dung heap. “Bhiodh iad a’ deanamh lag anns an talamh gus an cumadh e an sùgh a bha san inneir.”
Location: Skye, Kilmuir
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
lagbhart: e.g. ‘Tha na balaich air lagbhart a dhèanamh air an tigh bhochd ud.’
Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
laghadh: [ˈɫɤəɣ] Quot.: “leth-bhotul agus e cruinn air an dàrna taobh agus laghadh ann air an taobh eile”. Note: also used of slight bend at the end of a boat plank where it fits on to the stem.
Origin: Caversta
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
laic: [ɫɑıc] Quot.: “Cha deach laic cadail air mo shùil an raoir.” Note: a “wink” of sleep.
Origin: [Ness]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
laigh: Quotation: Chuir mi umhal gun robh an aois a’ laighe air.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
lamh an uachdair: victory.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
lamraigeach: abounding in landing places by the sea-shore. From ‘lamaraig’ – a pier, jetty, or an appropriate place by or at the sea-shore where a boat could discharge material, anything. (Harris term, hardly used if ever now.)
Location: [Harris], Scalpaigh [Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
lanaig: [ɫɑ̃ṉiɡʹ] Quot.: Bha a’ leanabh air an “Teddy Bear” a’ lanaigeadh gu math. Note: it had been so often mis-handled that it became dilapidated and worn.
Origin: Barvas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
langa an ruic: 93, 94, 95 [Five-bearded Rockling; Four-Bearded Rockling; Three-bearded Rockling].
Location: Mull [see below for details]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
langaid: [ɫɑŋɡɑdʹ] Quotation: a’ cur langaid air an each. Notes: fetter put on the front legs of a horse. (H. Meek says it was put on sheep too.)
Location: Tiree, Cornaigbeg
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
lannsa: (also) scalpel, surgeon’s knife. Leig e air (doctor) leis an lannsa.
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
lannsraigeadh: an ulcerous wound being lancerated [sic] [lanced? or lacerated?].
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
laogh an cois a mhàthair: laogh fodha màthair.
Location: Lewis, Arnol
Category: Crodh / Cattle
laoichgeann: [ɫw:çɡʹən̪] Notes: could be the carcase of an old beast; often applied to a lazy person who had a habit of lying stretched out.
Location: Skye, Breakish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
laoichgeann: Quotation: Tha an t-each donn na laoichgeann. Notes: stretched out.
Location: Skye, Sleat, Calligary
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
laoichgeann: [ɫw:çɡʹə̃n̪] Notes: the carcase of an old beast; an old useless thing.
Location: Skye, Kyleakin
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
laoighnigeadh: lining, keeping or setting an engine in a boat in a direct line so as to run a straight shaft termed as laoighnigeadh.
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
laosgann: [ɫw:sɡən̪] Note: applied to the membrane inside the shell of an egg.
Origin: [Lewis], Arnol
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
lapaich: stutter. Lapaich an teanga aige or Bha lapaich air a theangaidh – as in a person affected by a ‘stroke’.
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
lapan: Quotation: Ghabh i lapan leis an fhuachd. Notes: She became benumbed with the cold.
Location: Skye, Harlosh
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
lapanaich: Quotation: a’ lapanachadh leis an fhuachd. Notes: getting benumbed with the cold.
Location: Skye, Harlosh
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
larach cruaiche: site for a stack. Also an area of hard-pressed dross where a stack had once been.
Origin: Eileanaich [natives of Lewis]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
larach-ceann-coise: footprint. Làrach ceann-coise [sic], anns an t-sneachda neo air an t-sneachda.
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
larnaidh: used of an iron, dusky colour.
Location: Barra, Glen
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
latha an traisg: Fast Day, Thursday of communion.
Origin: [Skye, Camus Chroise]
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
Latha an Trasgadh: Fast Day service.
Location: Arran, Pirnmill
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
Latha an Trasgaidh: Thursday, first day of the Communions.
Origin: [the questionnaire gives Ross-shire but it is most probably meant as the county not origin]
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
latha an trusaidh: sheep-gathering day.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Latha Cois-cheum Coillich: Christmas Day. Extra time from 22nd-25th December. Difference in time amounts to the cockerel taken [sic] the hens an extra step to feed. [Cf. Latha Ghille Chonnaidh.]
Origin: Barra
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
latha dubh: Quotation: An latha dubh. Notes: day of reckoning.
Location: Lewis, Borve
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
latha dubh (m): Quotation: Thug mi latha dubh air ‘excerteadh’ an dé. Notes: worked very hard at it.
Location: Harris, Ardhasaig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
lathach: Quotation: Tha e air lathach leis an fhuachd. Notes: getting numb.
Location: Skye, Harlosh
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
lathus: maidean fada caola air uachdar an tughaidh.
Origin: Geàrrloch (Loch Iubh) [Gairloch (Loch Ewe)]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
le: prep. ‘with’ 2pl. leibh: nuair a bhiodh tu … ’ fàgail an taighe: ‘Latha math ~, oidhche mhath ~ ‘s beannachd ~!’
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Mira Co., Marion Bridge
Category: Word List
le: Quotation: Thuirt mi ris an fhear a bha leam. Notes: … who was with me.
Origin: Port Wemyss
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
le: Quot.: an cladach leis. Note: lee shore.
Location: Harris, Quidinish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
le: prep. ‘during [of weather]’’ : 's e àite uamhasach a tha ann an Chéticamp ~ stoirm; ri marbhadh le sìde thioram; ‘possession’: dhan duine ‘m bu leis am beathach; ‘with’: 2sg.: gu
bheil thu air falbh leat dhan taigh mhòr, dhan asylum; 3sg.: bha muinntir na town a’ smaoineachdainn gun toireadh e duine beò leis cho math ‘s a bha e [ADM]; 3m.: thuirt e leis [liʃ]
[FMM];Rover a theireadh iad leis;+ mo: lem linnse, nuair a chaidh mise ag obair an toiseach; + a ‘his’: chanadh e le ' phiuthar
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
leaba an t-sìl: the part of the kiln where the seed was placed to dry.
Location: South Uist, South Glendale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
leaba laoigh: this refers to an old belief whereby people buried the matrix at a stream. This was thought to result in female calves being born.
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
leabag: a small lair thus leabag an eithir.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
leabag-an-eithir: a wee bed or lair on the shore for to hold a boat on at ebb tide, a space or ‘bed’ on the shore above water level, just to hold a boat on.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
leabag-eithir: [See leabag-an-eithir.]
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
leabaidh: [lʹɛbi] Quotation: “A’ bheil a’ leabaidh rèith?” “A’ bheil am bòrd sin a’ laighe ceart air a’ leabaidh?” Notes: when an additional plank was fixed in the building of a boat, wood was shaved off the one below it to allow an overlap.
Location: Ross-shire, Aultbea
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
leabaidh: Quotation: leabaidh an uain; leabaidh a’ laoigh. Notes: womb.
Location: Skye?, Braes, Baile Meadhonach
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
leabaidh an duail: the socket for the driving bar.
Location: [Lewis], Leurbost
Category: Muileann Lochlannach / Norse Mill
leabaidh an uain: inside the sheep.
Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
leabaidh-an-laoigh: internal ‘bed of a calf’, ‘abdominally’.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
leabaidh-an-laoigh: Notes: enfolding membrane round calf at birth.
Origin: Skye
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
leabaidh-na-gréighe: the resting place of deer, sheep and cattle, an roinn dhe’n talamh air a bi ’ad laighe.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
leabaidh-tuime: a chuid sin ann an deireadh luinge anns a bi taoim a laighe.
Location: Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
leac: Quotation: leac an eisridh. Notes: the stone flags in the stalls beside the drain. Water ran down between these stones and into the drain.
Location: Lewis, Barvas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
leac: Quotation: leac-an-teinnich.
Location: Coll, Ben Meadhonach
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
leac: Quotation: leac-an-teinnich.
Location: Coll, Beu?
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
leac: Quot.: leac an teinntein. Note: flat stone in front of the fire or on which fire was.
Location: Harris, Quidinish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
leac: a hard patch or an unusual hard patch on the side of an animal, on the flesh caused by a hurt, etc. Bha e ’na leac air a taobh.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
leac an doruis: Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
leac an t-teinnean: hearth. [NOTES: the last word made unclear by corrections, possibly meant to be replaced by the word underneath it ‘an teinean’]
Location: Na Hearadh [Harris], Finsbay
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
leac an teine: Origin: Geàrrloch (Loch Iubh) [Gairloch (Loch Ewe)]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
leac an teine: Origin: Geàrrloch (Loch Iubh) [Gairloch (Loch Ewe)]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
leac an teinean: stone slab in front of the fire.
Origin: Na Hearadh [Harris]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
leac an teinntean: Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
leac-an-doruis: Origin: Geàrrloch (Loch Iubh) [Gairloch (Loch Ewe)]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
leac-an-teintein: hearth.
Origin: [Skye, Camus Chroise]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
leac-uirealach: [lʹɛkˈu̟ɾɑɫɑx] Note: an upright stone just inside the front door, between it and the door leading to the living quarters to direct cattle to go their own way.
Origin: [Lewis], Arnol
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
leacainn: rocky paved area; an area in Harris termed as Leacainn. Air an Leacainn. [SLIP: Rocky, paved (?) area. Also in place-name (Harris).]
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
leadan: nn ‘litany’ : gen. pl.: b’ fhìor thoigh leatha nuair a startadh iad a ghabhail na h-ùirne, ‘ gabhail nan ~, ‘ bhith còmhla leis __ an fhear a bhiodh a’ gabhail nan ~
[FMM]
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
leagail an t-suithe: Stripping the thatch of the cottage and collecting the soot from among the thatch for fertilising. [NOTES: spelled ‘leagail an t-sùithe’ on the slip.]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
leagail nan rusg: ’S e so a bhith a’ càradh nan ceap feir a’ charcus am broinn a’ phuill dìreach mar a bha iad air an uachdair mus deacha an gearradh. Bha a bhith leagail nan rusg mar so a’ fagail broinn a’ phuill réidh glan bliadhna as deidh bliadhna. Mar an rachadh so a dheanamh bhiodh an ath-bhlar (af-lar mar a chanas iad) pruganach, is ’na chunnart do bheathaichean.
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
lean: vb ‘continue, follow’ : cond.: ~adh an spiorad ‘ tighinn ort [FMM]; air neo, ~adh esan oirrese [FMM]
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
leanagan: Quotation: “Tha leanagan air an t-súil aige.” Notes: conjuctivitis.
Origin: West Lewis [the location given on the slips]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
leanamhainneach: [lʹɛ̃ṉɑvĩnʹɑx] Quot.: “Tha e glé leanamhainneach.” Note: could be used of an illness or anything going on for a long time.
Origin: [Lewis], Arnol
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
leannan-òinsich: [lʹɑ̃n̪ɑṉɔ̃:ʃiç] Notes: applied to a man who would go with any woman who came his way. In general “an easily-led man”.
Location: Skye, Breakish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
leannan-òinsich: Notes: an easily led person.
Location: Skye, Kyleakin
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
learach: Agus ‘learach’ airson boirionnach a bhiodh comasach (glé chomasach) air obair ’s mar sin a dheanamh, ach a bha leisg agus nach robh ’ga dhèanamh. Chan eil fhios agam an ann bho ‘leireach’ a thàinig ‘learach’.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Nàdur an Duine / Personality
learg-uaine: a green sward by an incline of a hill.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
leasach: [lʹɛsəx] changing milk into cheese (earning). Tha mi dol a dheanamh leasach an diugh.
Origin: Kill-Fhinn
Category: Crodh / Cattle
leathann: Quotation: an deireadh leathann. Notes: transom in a boat.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
leatraigeis: bhon Bheurla ‘letter-case’ – ‘wallet’. (An t-E. Sg.)
Location: [various]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
leibideag: contrary to ‘sgibideag’ [q.v.] in an answerable form.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
leid (mhór): àite-teine a muigh ri taobh a’ ghàraidh na leithid sin nam biodh tu nighe. “Tha phoit-mhór air an leid.”
Origin: Geàrrloch (Loch Iubh) [Gairloch (Loch Ewe)]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
leig: Quot.: “A bheil e a’ leigeil fodha?” or “A bheil a’ là a’ leigeil fodha?” Note: “Is there an improvement in the weather?” e.g. a wet day. (Put also under fo.)
Origin: [Barvas]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
leig: vb. ‘let; lay’: agus a’ ~eil beagan eile ris ai’son na bha e [anclò] ’dol a fhaighinn a-staigh; ’s e am beithe ’s e as bòidhche an-diugh ’ thig agamsa air -- sùil a leigeil
air
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
leig: vb ‘allow’ : fut.: ~idh tu leatha settleadh fad na h-oidhche; cond.: dh’fhaodte nach biodh, nach ~eadh iad leotha [FMM]; vbl nn: ‘s b’fheudar dha an fheusag a ~ eil air; tha mi car
ga ~eil seachad
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
leig [?] mar sgaoil an t-each: Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
leig an dorgha leis: let him to his own.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Coltas an Duine / Personal Appearance
Leig mi mach an reithe leatha.: Origin: Ross of Mull
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
leigeil an uisge a poll: draining a peat-bank.
Origin: Eileanaich [natives of Lewis]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
leigeil nam poll: Mus toisichear air a’ mhoine aig deireadh an earraich tha broinn gach poll ’ga ghlanadh aig an earball gus an ruith uisge a’ gheamhraidh as (le spaid).
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
leighis: vb ‘cure’: fut.: gun ~ e an lòinne; past: ~ e uamhas dhiubh
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
leis: Quotation: (1) an taobh leis [t̪ulɤʃ]. (2) Tha thu air cladach leis. Notes: (1) the lea side. (2) You’re on the lea shore.
Location: Sutherland, Kinlochbervie, Oldshoremore
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
leis: conj. ‘because’: gu robh an cuan an sin an toiseach ~gheibh thu na shells an sin
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
leitheach: Quotation: “Bhiodh na h-uain ann an àite leitheach.” Notes: the lambs would be in a separate place.
Origin: North Uist
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
leithid: n. ‘(the) like (of)’: thug mise ~ do bhliadhnachan ann an seo nach robh mi ’ cuimhneachadh air a’ Ghàidhlig idir
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
leitir: [lʹetʹəð] Quot.: leitir thana. Note: an area of flat rocks going out into the sea.
Origin: Carloway, Doune
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
leth: Quot.: “Leth ma leth eadar an dà àite.” Note: about halfway.
Origin: Caversta
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
leth: nn ‘half’: gheibh thusa leth a bheathach chaorach a tha an seo
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
leth(o)ir?: Quotation: Dh’èigh e mach orra as an lethoir. Notes: ?one by one?
Origin: [North Uist?]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
leth, air: ~ advb ‘special, separate’: beannachadh air ~; cha do chuir thu air ~ do pheasair idir; bha e air ~ air chuile gin, an job a bh’ aige
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
leth-a’lididh: [sic] [lʹɛəˈlʹıdʹi] Quot.: Na faigheadh tu leth-a’ lididh. Note: an inkling.
Origin: Carloway, Doune
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
leth-bhuinn: Notes: half-soles (cf. Sutherland gearra-bhuinn). Presumably an old compound – strong initial stress, and bh > f. In Dw.
Location: Lewis
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
leth-chas: Quotation: Chaneil ceàrr an seo ach a leth-chas. Notes: one strand in a mesh broken.
Location: Ross-shire, Aultbea
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
leth-chas: a middle strand of two meshes in a net broken. Cha robh leth-chas air an lion sin. – meaning it was complete without a tear or a broken strand.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
leth-chiallach (E agus I): Dìreach mar an t-ainm. [SLIP: Noun – half-wit.]
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Nàdur an Duine / Personality
Letter and word-list dated 06/05/1976: Air son an fhaclair: Origin: [Kintyre, Tarbert]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
leud: nn ‘width’ : well, dè an ~ a tha sa Strait of Canso?
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
leum: “Thàinig leum de an t-siataig ’n a mo dhruim.”
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
leum: vb ‘leap, jump’ : past~ e fhèin agus an doras aig (?) a chèile; vbl nn: gun tuirt e, ‘s e ‘ ~ suas
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
leum-nan-ceithir: Quotation: Bha an t-each aig leum-nan-ceithir. Notes: at the gallop.
Location: Lewis, Barvas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
leumachan: So cuileag dhubh agus is e fior ‘hopper’ a th’innte. Bidh iad na’n ceudan anns an tiùrr a’ leum am measg gach dreamlach a bhios an sin. Tha iad gràineil nuair a bhios tu airson thu fhein a bhlianadh anns a’ ghréin.
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness, Lionel
Category: Maorach / Shellfish
leumadair: Quotation: leumadair-an-fheòir. Notes: grasshopper.
Location: Skye, Glasnakille
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
leumadair: Quotation: leumadair an fheòir. Notes: grasshopper.
Origin: Port Wemyss
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
leumadair-an-fheòir: Notes: grasshopper.
Origin: Strontian
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
leòba: (f) An area of arable ground bigger than feannag. A large plot. [NOTES: spelled ‘leoba’ on the slip.]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
leòba: (f) An area of arable ground bigger than feannag. A large plot. [NOTES: spelled ‘leoba’ on the slip.]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
leòbagan air an adha: liver flukes.
Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
leòn: 1 nn ‘injury’ : bha e ‘ caochladh air sàillibh an leòin
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
leòn: 2 vb ‘injure’: vbl nn : nach deach an gille bochd a ~, is chaochail e
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
leòr, gu: advb ‘plenty’: tha gu ~ do bheinn an siud fhathast
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
leóba: (f) An area of arable ground bigger than feannag. A large plot. [NOTES: spelled ‘leoba’ on the slip.]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
leóba: (f) An area of arable ground bigger than feannag. A large plot. [NOTES: spelled ‘leoba’ on the slip.]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
liac: Nuair a chitheadh na bodaich liac de ola air uachdar na mara ann am bàgh no a muigh air muir-mór, chanadh iad ‘liac an sgadan’. Agus dh’aithnicheadh iad nuair a bhiodh an sgadan ann, cho math.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
liacradh: Quotation: liacradh an ime, ‘spreading … with finger’; ìm air a liacradh air. Notes: liacradh rather than sliacradh in 2nd instance, since no initial breathing seemed present. Not in Dw. but he gives liacadh ‘besmearing’.
Location: Lewis
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
liadh: [lʹıɤɣ] Note: blade of an oar.
Origin: Uig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
lianradh: an article used for winding yarn.
Location: South Uist, Bornish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
liarc: “An liarc coise a th’air.” – The large size foot he’s got.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
lias (m): (gu sònraichte) bucas (mu 14" gach rathad, 7 mu 6' an doimhne) le glainne ’sa’ bhonn. Troimhe chitheadh tu air a’ ghrunnd an torran beag gainmhich anns an robh an leòbag. (Chitheadh fear eòlach an t-sùil aice.) Bha thu an sin a’ stiuireadh a’ mhorgha oirre. [NOTES: slipped under ‘liàs’.]
Origin: Geàrrloch (Loch Iubh) [Gairloch (Loch Ewe)]
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
liath: Quotation: Tha an t-aran a’ liathadh. Notes: The bread is turning mouldy.
Location: Tiree, Caolis
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
liath: Quotation: an liath. Notes: blade of an oar.
Location: Islay, Port Wemyss
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
liath-chladach: An cladach eadar na creagan móra agus am feur. Is aithne dhomh a dhà no trì àiteachan air cùl a’ bhaile againn fhìn anns am bheil liath-chladach.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
liath-chladach (E): An cladach eadar na creagan móra agus am feur. An cladach cumanta gheibh am muir thuige dìreach, airson a riasladh uair sam bith. Tha dhà no trì de’n t-seòrsa-sa ’s a bhaile againn fhìn.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Cruth na Tìre / Landscape Features
liath-fàil: air son cul an dùirn, bracelet.
Location: Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
liathas: an item received free like wood on the shore (say) and set aside for to be taken some other time: thence someone else coming and taking it. [SLIP: When an item has been in a place freely for the taking (eg. wood on the shore) and set aside to be picked up at a later date – and then someone else comes along and takes it!]
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
lidrigeadh: shaken, pushed about and tossed, as in a dual [duel?] fight between persons in an unruly form.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
lineachdadh: collecting, assembling. Tha iad a linneachdadh [sic] a stigh an seo a h-uile oidhche.
Location: [Harris], Scalpaigh [Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
linigeadh: lining. Tha linigeadh ris an rùm.
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
linn: nn ‘lifetime, generation’ : lem ~se, nuair a chaidh mise ag obair an toiseach; pl. bha iad bho chionn na ~ean air ais [DAG]
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
lion an daiman allaidh: usually seen in the late afternoon. A pattern of light lines is visible on the grass. Indicative of rain to follow.
Location: South Uist, Milton
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
lion an dreaman eallaidh: spider’s web used to stop bleeding.
Location: Benbecula, Muir of Aird
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
lion chaol: used for fishing in shallow areas – ‘an òtrach’. Such areas were good fishing grounds.
Location: Eriskay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Lion sgadanach: Tha ceithir cluasan air lion sgadanach. Anns a’ chur tha am buidhe ròp a’ ceangal da lion r’a cheile aig an arc gu h-àrd, agus tha ‘Stopair’ a’ ceangal a dha aig an druim iochdair.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
Lion-beag: Tha sia sreangan a’ dol gu aon lion beag. Tha trì fichead aitheamh a’ dol gu aon sreang. Tha aon aitheamh eadar gach snòta no dubhan. An diugh ’se leth aitheamh.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
lion-bheag: airson glacadh adagan no cùiteagan ach bithidh am biorach gle thric a’ gabhail a bhiadhaidh. Maorach no feasgan mar bhiathadh air an dubhan.
Origin: An t-Eilean Sgitheanach [Skye; Skye, Glendale acc. to other questionnaires]
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
Lion-coise: Sreang lin bhig air a cur air an tràigh nuair a bhios an tràigh a muigh air a cumail le da chloich bhàithte, agus ga togail nuair a theid an ath thràigh a mach. Feumaidh tu bhith aice mus fhàg am muir i air an neo ma bhios iasg oirre ’se faoileagan a gheibh thu air na dubhain.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
Lion-leóbag: Tha e mu thri cheud troigh a dh’fhad is mu cheud troigh a leud ach gheibh thu cuid na’s motha is na’s lugha na sin. Tha ceithir cluasan air is coig òirlich anns gach mogul. Tha àrcaichean caola mar arcaichean botuil a’ ruith an druim àrd mu shia òirleach dheug bho cheile, agus mu choinneamh gach àrca sin air an druim iochdair tha piosan de luaidhe chaol. Tha poca air fhighe anns an lion fhein is tha na leóbagan is na sòrnain ga suaineadh fhein anns a’ phoca so. Bidh barrachd air an sin ga suaineadh fhein ann – eoin mhara – an sgarbh, an t-eun dubh is bughaidean, is chunna mi aon uair burbhailleach bhòidheach air a bathadh ann am fear is chuir e an aghaidh an lin so mi.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
lion-mhòr: acfhuinn air son glacadh throsg, easgann, no langa; adag no sgadan mar bhiathadh air an dubhan.
Origin: An t-Eilean Sgitheanach [Skye; Skye, Glendale acc. to other questionnaires]
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
Lion-sgadanach: Mu ochd slait dheug a leud agus leth cheud slat a dh’fhad. Tha ainmeannan nan ropan air an dealbh. Glacaidh an lion so sgadan, rionnach is cnaimh-rionnach. Cha toigh leis an iasgair an cnaimh-rionnach idir. Tha e dona gu milleadh nan lion agus anabarrach duilich a chrathadh asda – aig amannan feumaidh iad an lamhan a ghabhail dha. Aig amannan theid corra bhradan an sàs, ach feuchaidh an t-iasgair ri chrathadh as an lion mus buail a beul a’ bhàta. Aig amannan eile suainidh cearban e fhein annta – agus is e sin as miosa buileach.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
lionanaich: green soft hair-like weed. The same name is given to a similar weed found in fresh water, e.g. in wells. ‘Tha an tobair làn lionanaich.’
Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
lios: a garden. (Kintail) Nuair a bha mi ag obair anns an lios ud thall.
Origin: [Kintyre, Tarbert]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
liosdair: Note: fear a bhios a’ connsachadh, an aghaidh na dòigh. Cha deóin leis aideachadh gun deach e ceàrr.
Origin: Swainbost
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
lir: already referred as litter in Harris. A dog having an unusual number of whelps is referred to as: Nach ann aige tha lir. (Perhaps you have a further meaning or different meaning?)
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
lir: Harris word for litter of whelps. Nach ann aige tha lir. – referring to a dog having an usual [sic] [unusual?] collection of whelps (cuileannan).
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Liteach: Cha robh i so gle fhreagarrach ann am muir mór idir. Bha a toiseach is a deireadh a’ dol dìreach sios a’ fàgail fada an droma an aon mheud ri a fad air a h-uachdair. Ghearradh i so tre na sualaichean gun èiridh orra is mar sin bha i dualtach air a bhith air a lionadh le muir gorm a thoirt innte ri dol an aghaidh na mara.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
litir ainmhich: an account or bill which has to be paid.
Origin: ‘Islay connections’
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
liughair: [?] bocsa a tighinn a nuas meadhon an taighe os cinn an teinne, mar simileir.
Location: Na Hearadh [Harris], Finsbay
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
liuthag(an): 82 [Pollack].
Location: Mull [see below for details]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
lobhag (-an): bacteria.
Location: Benbecula, Muir of Aird
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
lobht: [ɫoxt̪] Quotation: lobht an fheòir. Notes: hay loft.
Origin: Kinlochourn
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
lobht an t-sobhail: Loft of barn.
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
Lobhtaichean: Ann an cuid de phuirt air a chost a sear bhiodh cùirearan a’ togail tighean móra fiodha le móran rumanan do chlannighean an iasgaich. Bhiodh da chriudha dol gu gach rum. ’Se lobhtaichean a chainte ri na tighean so – Lobhta Edie Gòrdon, Lobhta nam Brusach, Lobhta Mhic an Thearlaich, etc. Lobhtaichean an t-sugraidh, an fheala dha ’sa chiùil. Tha mi cinnteach gu bheil ‘Skyscrapers’ air fàs air an laraich an diugh. Is iomadh iasgair a thug bean a eilean eile asda.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
lobht’ an t-sabhail: raised portion on top of which corn is stored.
Origin: Tiree
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
locair: n. ‘plane’: bha locraichean an seo a bha aig m’ athair; locraicheangròbaidh; ~ mhòr do bheithe air neo do mheubail
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
Loch Aillse: Loch an Iasgaich, Loch nam Breac Móra, Gleann Atadail, Loch Carran, Cam Allt, na Cùileagan, Cladh a’ Chlachain, Sròn Deorsa, Loch Ma-Ruibh, Beul Atha na Crà, Loch Dughaill, Tuaidh, Carn Odhar, Achadh nam Seileach, Carn Breac, Frìth Chùlainn, Goirtean Fraoich, Eas an Teampuill, Torran Cuilinn, Loch Cùlainn, Carn Dhomhnuill Mhic a’ Ghobhainn, Ceann Loch Iùbh, Beinn Éighe.
Origin: [Strathglass]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Loch an Iubhair: (shaded loch). [NOTES: slip not found.]
Origin: Kill-Fhinn
Category: Crodh / Cattle
Loch-Abar: Inbhir Allt Coire an Lochain, Drochaid Lòchaidh, Beinn Nibheis, Sgor Choinnich, Meall Lochan nan Dubh Lochan, Allt a’ Ghiùbhais Chruinn, Loch Airceig, Loch Garadh, Gleann Cinngidh.
Origin: [Strathglass]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
lochd-cadail: wink of sleep. Cha d’fhuair mi lochd cadail [sic] leis an déideadh an raoir.
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
lodan: [ɫɔd̪ɑ̃ṉ] Quotation: reothadh an lodain làin. Notes: something that won’t last. Pool full of water, small crust of ice.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
lodan: Quotation: “Cha mhair reothadh an lodain làin.” (Proverb)
Location: Spean Bridge
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
lodragan: a small pool of water, e.g. in an otherwise dry peat bog.
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
loga (I): Bha cuimhne aig m’athair a bhith toirt fiodh ciste-laighe as a’ logainn nuair a bhàsaicheadh duine. Agus sin leis an t-sàbh-mhór. Làithean cruaidhe bha siod! (As a’ logainn, mar a chanadh na bodaich. ’Se a chanas sinne an diugh as a’ loga. ’Se còmhradh nam bodach bu chearta.)
Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
loga(i)r: nn ‘logger, woodsman’ : ‘s e ~ a bha san fhear a rinn an t-òran, ach fear, ~, a rinn e;: shiud an cineadh a bh’ aige, an ‘Logar’
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
logais: I’m sorry I can’t identify this one. I remember an old fisherman making reference to it. He spoke about ‘na logaisean muigh as a chuan’ when he went there with the great lines in his youth. Whatever they were, they had a voracious appetite! This summer I heard the phrase ‘Dhitheadh e man logais.’ Perhaps they were a kind of slug – anyway, if the great lines were left too long, the whole catch was eaten.
Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
logamal dhiolaidh: an awful amount of drink.
Origin: Tiriodh [Tiree]
Category: Faireachdain / Senses
loineachdnadh: to roll about in some substance. “Bha an cù ga loineachdnadh fhéin thall an sin ann an lòn.”
Location: North Uist, Grimsay, Gearradh Dubh
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
loineadh: Notes: an excessive handling, esp. of fish.
Location: Harris, Ardhasaig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
loineadh: to give someone a good going over. “Gus loineadh a thoirt air an duin’ oillteil.”
Location: Benbecula, Creagorry
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
loireagan: an untidy, unclean character of a toddler in his movement on the floor, etc.
Location: [Harris], Scalpaigh [Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
lolag (-an) [? iolag?]: links in a chain.
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
lom-na-dalach: Quotation: An òrdag mhór air lom na dalach. Notes: part of sole actually on the ground.
Origin: Skye
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
loma-làn: adj. ‘completely full’: loma-, loma-làn [ʁ̫umə ʁ̫umə ʁ̫a:n] ‘completely full’; nuair a fhuair e an taigh ~; bha mo làmh ~ do dh’fhoinneachan
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
long: Quotation: Am fear a ghleidheas an long, gheibh e là seòlaidh.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
longag (I): (Fuaimnich seo ‘lungag’.) Chan eil ainm àrraid sam bith agam air an leathar.

Origin: Leodhas [Lewis], Uig
Category: Cur-seachadan: Dèideagan, Geamaichean is Farpaisean / Recreation: Toys, Games, Contests
Lonnan: So cabair ghoirid de dh’fhiodh, gu tric stéibhichean tocsaid a tha air an càradh mu thri troighean bho cheile bho far a bheil an t-eathar gu beul na mara. Mu bhios an t-eathar trom tha ‘cart-grease’ air a shliobadh air na lonnan so. Tha an t-eathar air a slaodadh sios (Siudaibh a bhalacha, bhur druim rithe) air na lonnan so gus a faighear i air bhog.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
lonrac (-an) [ionrac?]: a malingering person, pretending to be ill in order to dodge work.
Location: Skye, Bernisdale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
losg an dul: [ɫo̟sk ɑ̟n̪ d̪u̜ɫ] toad.
Location: North Argyll
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
losgadh: Quotation: Bha losgadh anns an uisge. Notes: phosphorescence.
Origin: Carradale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
luachair: Quotation: an dearc luachrach. Notes: lizard.
Origin: Port Wemyss
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
luachair: bulrushes. Was [sic] used in thatchings, and as an absorbent of fuel oil,
liver oil, etc. in giving light.
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Blàthan-Leighis / Medicinal Plants
luagha(inn) bheag agus mhór: dùis, muinne an am pàirt deth Leodhas.
Location: Na Hearadh, Gòbhaig [Harris, Gobhaig]
Category: Biadh is Deoch / Food and Drink
luaidh: Waulking or fulling (verb). “Luaidh an clò.”
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Obair na Clòimhe / Wool-Working
luaidh: [ɫu̜əi] Quotation: an luaidh. Notes: sinker.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
luaidhe: (also) fish-detector, detecting by lead sinker and line. ’G fhaireachduinn leis an luaidhe. [NOTES: the quotation on the slip reads ‘’ga fhaireachdainn leis an luaidhe.’]
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
luamha: [See maodal] Fuaimnich seo dìreach mar a tha e sgrìobhte (a réir dòigh na Gaidhlige) ach cur fuaim ‘gh’ an àite fuaim an ‘mh’. Leis an seo bidh e dìreach mar a tha e air a fhuaimneachadh againne. Luamha, ’se seo a’ bhinid anns an laogh agus a’ ghlas ([pron.] a’ ghlās) anns a’ chaoraich. Sin mar a tha iad againne mur a h-eil mise a’ dol ceàrr. (Feuchaibh Nic Neacail. Agus bu chòir gu’n innseadh i dhuibh mar a dheanadh iad binid airson bainne-binid (‘bainne-air-bhinid’ a th’againne).
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Crodh / Cattle
luath 1: adj. ‘fast’: ’s a’ bualadh cho ~, dìreach, ris an dealanach
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
luath 2: vb. ‘waulk’: VBL. N.: cha ~adh sin an clò idir; an dòigh ’ bh’ aca air ~ an seo;
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
luath ris an neas: as fast as weasel.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Coltas an Duine / Personal Appearance
luaths-analach: “Mu’s do dhìrich mi an cnoc thàinig orm stad dà uair leis an luaths-analach.”
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
lubseach: an unpleasant, surly woman.
Location: North Uist, Blàsheabhal [Blashaval]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
luchag: Quotation: An làir a’ tighinn faisg air a h-àm – an luchag a’ fas farsuinn.
Origin: Kilmaluag
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
luchd: nn ‘crew, company’: agus chòrd seo cho math le ~ ud an soitheach
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
luga: Lug worm. Bidh iad so fodha anns a’ ghainmhich nuair a tha am muir a muigh. Bidh tuill shéididh aca, agus chi thu a’ ghainmheach no an làghach a chladhaich iad a mach as na tuill, nam buaileagan cruinn timchioll nan toll. ’Se biadhadh math lin bheaga a tha annta.
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness, Lionel
Category: Maorach / Shellfish
luga: [ɫuŋɡə] Quotation: Gheibh thu lugaich ’s an tràigh ann an grunnd creadhadh. Notes: lug worm.
Location: Mull
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
luibh: n. ‘ragwort’: an ~ bhuidhe
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
luibh: affection, friendship in the sense of community spirit, e.g. “Bha luibh laghach ann aig an àm sin.”
Location: South Uist, Stoneybridge
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
luibhre: Quotation: an luibhre. Notes: leprosy.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
luid: Notes: an untidy person.
Origin: Tiree
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
luid: Tha seo againn air an aon sraoin ri sgluis [q.v.]. “’Se luid a th’innte.” Canaidh sinn ‘luid’ mar as trice ri boirionnach.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Nàdur an Duine / Personality
luid: Quotation: Phòs mi luid airson na cuid, Dh’fhalbh an cuid ach dh’fhàn an luid. Notes: “slut”.
Location: Perthshire, Killin
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
luideag: Quotation: Meall is caith agus tilg nan luideagan air an dùnan iad.
Location: Islay, Port Wemyss
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
luideagach: having bits of torn clothes. Le luideagan a suathadh. Dh’fhalbh an ceot’ [?] na luideagan. Bu luideagach e co dhiu.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
luidhainn: a wooden board to which a rod would be attached. Situated near the vent at the top of an old house which had a fire in the centre of the room. The board would be adjusted according to wind direction so that the smoke would be carried away. [NOTES: note added above ‘luidhainn’ – luidhein.]
Location: South Uist, South Lochboisdale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Luinneag an t-Soisgeil: Gospel Acclamation.
Location: South Uist, Daliburgh
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
luinnseach: [ɫ[ɤ̃ĩ]ʃɑx] Notes: an idler, a loafer.
Location: Skye, Breakish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
luirgeadh an acair: the anchor’s stem, foot.
Location: Eriskay, Na Hann [Haun]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
luith an eorna: Location: Mull [see below for details]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
lunn: the shaft of an oar.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris,Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
lunnan: cur fo’n an eathar ’na tarraing.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
lurga-lom: [ɫu̜ɾəɡə ɫ[ɤu̟]m] Quot.: a’ toirt a mach a’ lurga-lom. Note: when a beast (cow) was killed there was a test of strength only the strongest could attempt – that of severing the leg at the knee by twisting the lower part of the leg with the hands. (In Uig known as “a’ toirt a mach an dòrn bhuar”.) There is some confusion as to whether the knee joint or the “ankle” joint was the one severed – some say one, others the other. Puilean says definitely the knee joint.
Origin: [Ness]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
lus an òir: buttercup.
Location: Skye
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
lus-an-acrais: a plant seen on the moorland. If kicked or disturbed the petals gave off a smell which quickened the appetite. Therefore people were counselled to carry some form of food.
Location: South Uist, South Lochboisdale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
lus-an-laoigh: Notes: plant like the water lily but doesn’t flower.
Location: Sutherland, Kinlochbervie, Oldshoremore
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
luthair: an athlete.
Location: North Uist, Lochmaddy, Crombagh
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
là: Quotation: ’S ann ort a thainig an da là! Notes: change of circumstances.
Location: Lewis, Barvas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
là: Quotation: Chuir mi an là air a’ chrois-iarna. Notes: I didn’t do anything useful all day; I frittered the day away.
Location: Skye, Breakish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
là: Quotation: an ceann-là. Notes: calving date.
Origin: North Uist
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
là: Quotation: Là fosgladh an t-sealg. Notes: 12th August.
Origin: Blackburn, near Glentarff
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
là: Quotation: Cha b’e an là am fear nach tigeadh.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
là: Quot.: “Là an trosgaidh” [t̪ɾɔsɡi]. Note: Communion Thursday. (Put also under trosgadh.)
Origin: [Ness]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
là-iasad: [ɫɑ·iɤsd̪] Quot.: “O, ’s e là-iasad a bh’ann an diugh!” Note: if one got a fine day in a spell of bad weather. Would say this if it looked threatening again at the end of the fine day.
Origin: [Barvas]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
làbrach: an untidy, unkempt woman.
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
làmh: Quotation: air an làmh bhàn. Notes: (heard in Lewis) a hire purchase, deferred payment.
Location: North Uist
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
làmh: Quotation: S’ fhada làmh an fheumanaich.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
làmh fhuar: Quotation: ’Se duine b’fheàrr ann an Uibhist air an làmh fhuar. Notes: tearing off limb from cow’s carcase by hand.
Origin: Skye
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
làmh, ~ ri: prep. ‘beside’ : ‘s i ~ ris a’ chistidh; dh’fhàg e roinn dha na Gàidheil a bha ~ rium;‘ fuireachd ~ ruinn an seo
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
làmhach: adj. ‘greedy’: bha an Sasannach gu math ~ [ʁ̫a͂:-ux]
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
làmhach[d]: (làmhthuagh) [ˈɫ̫ɑvˌux ] ‘tongs’: bha ~ aige, a bheireadh air a sin (‘an instrument for catching’, tongs); shin agad an ~ a bh’ agad (‘anything you have to catch in your hand to do
something else with’)
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
làmhag: a little hand. Làmhag an dràsda ’s a rithisd. [NOTES: the slip has ‘…a rithist’.]
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
làmhag: wee hand touch. Toirt làmhag an dràsda ’s a rithisd air – a wee touch, giving it a wee touch. [NOTES: the slip has ‘… a rithist’. Definition: A slight touch.]
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris,Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
làmhag: an axe.
Location: North Uist, Tigharry
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
làmhagan: touch now and again. Bithidh mi toirt làmhagan air an dràsda ’s a rithisd.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
làmhog (sic): [ɫɑ̃:vɔɡ] Note: an axe.
Location: Harris, Grosebay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
làn: nn ‘tide’ : nam biodh an ~ àrd, nam biodh an ~ a-staigh
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
làn-aogais: full appearance. Ann an làn-aogais an fhir a bh’ann.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
lànachd: fullness. Ann an lànachd na h-aimsir. (common)
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
làr: Quotation: Chaneil cho fad o chaidh sin mu làr. Notes: It is not so long since that came to an end.
Location: Skye, Kilmuir
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
làr an latha: daybreak.
Origin: [Harris]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
làr-an-latha: daybreak, (or at) sunrise.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
làr-puill: lar, seòrsa lair a bhiodhadh ann an tigh – ‘taigh’ tubhaidh.
Location: Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
làr-shèabhaidh: (?) n. [ˌɫ̫ɑr ˈhe:vi] ‘shaving plane’: bha rud ris an canadh iad an ~ aca
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
làraidh: Chan eil móran each a’ dol an diugh an àite sam bith, cò dhiù mu ghabhas e seachnadh. Ach am bheil fhios aca de an fhìor rud a th’ ann horse-power? Cha robh duine de an obair mhóir a bh’aca ann an Aird Uige uaireigin a bha comasach air a’ cheist fhuasgladh, agus bràthair dhomh ’n am measg. ’Se mise a thachair a bhith comasach airson fuasgladh a thoirt dhaibh. Thug mi dhaibh togail 33,000 punnd aon troigh ann an aon mhionaid. Gheibh sibh an aon suidheachadh aig daoine ’s a’ bhaile-sa fhéin. Bha fear ag argumaid rium aig Kelvindale nach robh a leithid a rud agus differential ann an càr. Gu robh easan air a bhith a’ draibheadh fad bhliadhnachan.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
làthach: yellowy, slimy sand which was dangerous if a person entered such an area. No grounding. Very much like a quagmire.
Location: South Uist, Milton
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
làthach, mar poll; ann an lochan: soft ground.
Location: Harris, Kyles Stockinish
Category: Iasgach a’ Ghiomaich / Lobster-Fishing
làthaireachd: atmosphere. Bha làthaireachd mhiorbhuileach anns an eaglais.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
lèabhach: Caora mar tha ’n seo shuas bha i ‘lèabhach’. Adhaircean lèabhach oirre. A’ chaora lèabhach. (Faic M’Ghillfhinnean t-d 210.) Aig MacGh. a réir an litreachadh, bhiodh ‘liabhach’ mar ‘riabhach’ (brindled, etc.) ’S ann a tha e againne mar ‘dèabhadh’.

Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
Lèathad Mo Lèis: polite way of saying ‘mo mhàs’ or ‘tón’. An old lady who was brought up in Braenish, Uig, near the Black-Nuns’ House, often used this expression. Could it have any connection with Mo Leis, Irish saint, who may have visited Tigh nan Cailleachan Dubha. (It was the same lady who used the word ‘lamaiseagan’ [q.v.].)
Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
léig: Note: “seorsa de bhreunlach [?] bhog agus feur gorm a’ fàs innte an cómhnaidh”; nas motha na bàsdair [q.v.]”.
Origin: [Lewis], Arnol
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
léine: Quotation: léine-gheal. Notes: the skin inside the shell of an egg.
Origin: Harris
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
léine-bheag: Notes: skin inside an eggshell.
Location: Skye, Kilmuir
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
léine-gheal: Notes: skin inside an egg-shell.
Location: Canada, Christmas Island
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
léine-gheal: layer of an egg. [SLIP: ‘Layer’ of an egg. – ?]
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
léireadh: Quot.: “Bha mi air mo leireadh [sic] leis an fuachd.” Note: numbed.
Origin: Ness
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
léirsinn: Quotation: “Ciamar tha thu ’léirsinn ’s an dorchadas?” Notes: to see.
Location: Ross of Mull
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
lìgh: an oily surface indicating the presence of herring. [NOTES: corrected to ‘lìth’.]
Location: [South Uist], South Glendale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
lìnn a’ dol an sàs: nets stuck fast on the seabed.
Location: Eriskay, Na Hann [Haun]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
lìon an damhain allaidh: Spider’s web. Disease: cuts, wounds.
Origin: Mull, Bunessan, Ardtun, Knockan or Mull, Burg or Mull, Tobermory or Mull, Bunessan, Taoslainn
Category: Blàthan-Leighis / Medicinal Plants
lìon-aodach (E): An corp air a ghlanadh, tha an lìon-aodach air a chur air. [NOTES: slipped under ‘lion-aodach (masc).]
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Bàs is Adhlacadh / Death and Burial
lìon-beag (E): Druim (E). Snòta (I). Dòrnan (E). Dubhan (E). Rèidhleadh (E). (An aon rud ri lìon-mór. [Ach] fàg a mach sreangan mu an lìon-bheag.)
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
lìon-beag (E): Dubhan anns a h-uile h-aitheamh. Ach lìn a bhiodh a’ tighinn bho an choast an ear bhiodh dà dhubhan orra anns a h-uile h-aitheamh. Cha chreid mi gu robh seo càil na b’ fheàrr gu iasg a ghlacadh [no] gu iasgach a dhèanamh. (Seo mar a chanas sinn an cumantas: “an lìon-bhig” agus chan è “an lìn-bhig”.)
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
lìon-mór: Druim an lin. An dòrnan. Snòta. An rèidhleadh. An dubhan.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
lìon-sgadanach (E): Pàirtean: An druim-àrca. (E) [NOTES: slipped.] An druim-dubh. (E) [NOTES: slipped.] A’ ghéibheal. (I) [NOTES: slipped under ‘géibheal’.] A’ chluas. (I) [NOTES: slipped under ‘cluas’.] An t-abhras. (E) [NOTES: slipped under ‘abhras’.] (Mar a bha sinn a’ bruidhinn air an oidhche roimhe.)
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
lòdachadh: Quotation: a’ lòdachadh an àth. Notes: loading the kiln with grain.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
lòdadh: Lòdadh a mach le fallus. “Chan eil Donnchadh glé mhath (’na shlàinte). Thàinig air suidhe ri taobh an rathaid, agus lòd e a mach le fallus.”
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
lòineachan: Quot.: “An d’thug thu aisde geir na lòineachan?” Note: when killing a sheep. The suet round the kidneys. (loins?)
Origin: [Barvas]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
lòineachan: Faic lòinean Dwelly t-d. 596. 2. (D.M.K.) ‘The fat covering of the kidneys of beef or mutton (Caithness).’ Tha againne lòineachan. “Tha geir mhath air na lòineachan aige.” ’Se seo a’ gheir a tha ris an druim aige a’ bheathach. Nuair a tha an t-ainmhidh marbh agad air a’ dhruim, tha am muinne air uachdar agus na lòineachan gu h-ìosal, ’se sin ris an drùim.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
lòinidh: refers to the healthy glow of an animal’s coat of hair.
Location: North Uist, Grimsay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
lòinne: nn ‘rheumatism’ : tha leigheas air an ~
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
lòn shitig: applied to an untidy, dirty house.
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
lòn-dubh-an-éisg: Notes: the dipper. (Or gobhar-dubh-an-éisg, according to Farquhar MacRae, Invergarry.)
Location: Invergarry, North Laggan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
lóthunn: a descriptive word for an untidy, neglected boat. [NOTES: the slip has ‘lòthunn’.]
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris,Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
lù(i)m: [ɫũ̜:m] Quotation: Tha an [ɫũ̜m] [sic] o’n deas. Notes: a swell from the south.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
lùb: Quotation: a lùbadh an fhiodh. Notes: bend wood (as in boatbuilding).
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
lùb dubh: nn ‘black pudding’: pl. ~an dubha, tha fhios agad, maragan, black puddings [FMM]
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
lùb-mhuinne: Bhiodh iad a deanamh marag le na caolanan[-gorma na caorach]. ‘Lùb-mhuinne’ a chanadh iad ris. Bha iad a’ deanamh na maraig agus a’ suainigeadh nan caolanan uimpe. Bhiodh i a’ coimhead ann an cruth dìreach mar seo. Mu 6" air fad agus 4" air leud.

Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
lùbach: band for tying legs while shearing, mar a th’ agad an seo shuas.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
lùbag: wee stitch. Cha t’fhuair mi lùbag a chuir air an stocain an diugh.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
lùm: [ɫũ̜:m] Quotation: Cuir a’ lùm rithe. Notes: a wooden support used for keeping boats on an even keel on the beach (usually lunn).
Origin: Applecross
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Lùnasdadh: [ɫũ̟:ṉɑsd̪əɣ] Quotation: an Lùnasdadh. Notes: Lammas.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Lùnasdail: Quotation: Là Lùnasdail, théid an t-sùghadh as a’ chreithire. Notes: said to be the day it [i.e. cleg] loses its sting but also said to depend on the weather. “Creileag” in other parts.
Origin: Islay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
lùnn: [ɫũ̜:n̪] Notes: handle of an oar.
Location: Ross-shire, Aultbea
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
lùnn: maideann air an sìn thu do chasan fhads a tha thu ag iomaraich.
Location: [Harris], Leverburgh
Category: Togail Bhàtaichean / Boat-Building
lùth-luath: [ɫu̜:ɫu̜ə] Notes: shimmering seen above an outside fire.
Location: South Uist, Bornish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
lùthag: B’e seo ceangal teann air a chur anns an iosgaid air an ainmhidh. Mar seo. A dhà no trì uairean a riamh a chunna mi cail de’n t-seòrsa ri spearrach agus lùthag. ’Sann airson nach leumadh iad gàraidhean, ’s mar sin, a tighinn do’n arbhar, a bha e.

Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
lùthag: rope tightly tied round rear legs muscle to slow an animal down.
Location: Na Hearadh, Gòbhaig [Harris, Gobhaig]
Category: Crodh / Cattle
mac: Quotation: Mac an uilc! Chaneil ann dheth ach mac an uilc. Notes: The rascal!
Location: Lewis, Barvas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
mac: Quotation: Mac an anraidh! Notes: used like “mac an uilc”.
Location: Lewis, Barvas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
mac: Quotation: Mac na dunaidh! Notes: like “mac an uilc”.
Location: Lewis, Barvas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Mac an Aba: Quotation: An òrdag, a’ cholbhag, Fionnladh fada, Mac an Aba, [u̜i:dʹʒɑɡ].
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
mac an t-suim: fox.
Location: Skye
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Mac ’ic Iain: “Rinn e Mac ’ic Iain dheth fhéin.” – Mhill e e fhéin, ann an dòigh sam bith. Rinn e amadan dheth fhéin. Rinn e call dha fhéin. ’S mar sin. Tha mi cinnteach gu bheil i seo anns a h-uile h-àit.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
mac-an-t-sàthtain: son of the devil (common term).
Location: [Harris], Scalpaigh [Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
mac-mallachd: Quotation: Chan eil ann ach am mac-mallachd. Notes: he’s an absolute rogue. Usually refers to Devil.
Location: Tiree, [Caolas? – one slip]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
mac-samhail: [mɑ̃xksɑ̃ũ̜ilʹ] Quotation: ’S e mac-samhail an fhear sin a th’ann. Notes: He is that man’s very likeness.
Location: Skye, Elgol
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
mach: Quotation: “Tha e cho glic mach o nach eil e a’ bruidhinn.” Notes: “He is so wise he almost talks.” Said of an animal.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
mach (f): iasg sam bith an deidh a’ chlaidh. [NOTES: slip not found.]
Origin: Geàrrloch (Loch Iubh) [Gairloch (Loch Ewe)]
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
Mach leatha: Nuair a tha gach ni anns an eathar tha an criudha a’ dol air bòrd, ach gu bheil am fear as fhearr botunnan a’ fuireachd a muigh gus sàthadh a thoirt dhith. As deidh dha-san leum innte tha iad a deanamh air a’ ghrunn iasgaich.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
machine: Bhiodh an t-ainm-sa aca air gige (a gig vehicle). Chuala mi e chun an ama a sguir na gigeachan.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
madadh: Horse mussel. A large overgrown mussel, but they don’t grow in big clumps like the mussels. Tha iad math ri ’n itheadh. Bidh muinntir Uig a’ toirt dhachaidh nan cléibh dhuibh [sic], ga slaopadh, is an deidh sin ga ròsdadh an geir air a’ phana. Chan eil iad anns an Rudha no ’n Nis, is e cor fhear a gheibhear suas an Taobh Siar.
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness, Lionel
Category: Maorach / Shellfish
madadh de chù: an angry, dangerous dog.
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
maide: Quot.: “Cha chuireadh e maide na phàirt.” Note: same as “Cha shealladh e ann an uisge na stiùir aige.” (Put also under cuir and pàirt.)
Origin: [Caversta]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
maide: Quotation: ’S duilich an car a thoirt as an t-seana mhaide.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
maide frasaidh: A short stick with an edge to it – used for taking seed off sheaf. [NOTES: spelled ‘maide-frasaidh’ on the slip.]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
maide-fithich: Note: the stick jutting up from the thatch at the end of a blackhouse (ceann an tighe).
Origin: [Lewis], Arnol
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
maidse: nn ‘match’ : rinn an aon mh. sin a startadh
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
maighdealag: Chan eil moran an Nis. Corra the [sic] air an Taobh Siar ach tha iad na’s pailte air taobh a’ tuath a’ Bhràighe anns an Rudha, ach chan eil iad pailt an àite ’sam bith as aithne dhomsa. Leanaidh rath riut ma gheibh thu tri ri taobh a cheile. ’S e ‘boidealag’ no ‘boitealag’ a chanadh sinne riu an Ard an Rudha.
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness, Lionel
Category: Maorach / Shellfish
maighistir: Leis a’ ghuirmean [q.v.], bha iad ’ga dheanamh le maighistir agus le na h-uibhir de uisge. Linne guirmean a chanadh iad. “Anns an linne ghuirmein”. Chan eil fhios agam am biodh am maighistir aca ri na dathan eile no nach bitheadh.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Obair na Clòimhe / Wool-Working
maim-slé: cloud burst. (Nuair a thig an t-uisge gu grad.)
Origin: Mull, Tobermory
Category: Sìde / Weather
maise-mhullaich: Notes: ‘baldness’ (an ironic usage). But note the earlier usage, of a luxuriant head of hair, e.g. Ort a dh’fhàs a’ mhaise mhullaiche … Maise gruaige dualach duinne i. (Heb. Folksongs II, 1568-70) Source: Lewis usage recalled (D.S.T.). Date: 1979.
Location: Lewis
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
man sìthean an eòrna: Quotation: Bha e dìreach man sìthean an eòrna. (Catriona Mhór – of fair-haired person (?)/handsome.)
Location: Lewis
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
manaig: wooden handle of ‘cas chròm’. Also used in the context of an old gate ready to fall apart. Former definition is prevalent at the north end of South Uist, esp. Lochcarnan, whilst the latter definition is found at southern end of the island.
Location: South Uist, Lochcarnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
maodal: dùis, muinne an am pàirt deth Leodhas.
Location: Na Hearadh, Gòbhaig [Harris, Gobhaig]
Category: Biadh is Deoch / Food and Drink
maoidh: vb ‘threaten [with]’ : vbl nn: rachadh ‘bodach an tin’ a mhaoidheadh ormsa, ’o [o] [= cho] cunnartach is a bha e, nam binn dona gun tigeadh e
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
maol-rùnaidh: Note: te a tha déigheil air féill an diomhanais ’s an t-sùgraidh. Chaneil féill na cleasachd aig nach fhaicear i.
Origin: Swainbost
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
maorach: ’Se ‘limpets’ a tha so a’ ciallachadh ann an Nis, air an Taobh Siar, is anns an Rudha. Ann an Sgìre nan Loch, Ràinis co dhiù, ’se bàirnich a chanas iad ri ‘limpets’ agus maorach ri ‘shellfish’ gu h-iomlan.
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness, Lionel
Category: Maorach / Shellfish
maorach-ealaidh: Quotation: Tha mi a’ dol dhan an tràigh a dh’iarraidh maorach-ealaidh. Notes: limpets release themselves from rocks as it gets dark and start to move. Could be picked easily then. (?)
Location: Skye, Kilmuir
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
maothar (mathar): gaoisid gheal coin no ite bheag gheal ceangailte ris an dubhan airson iasgach sùithean, no runach [sic], no liutha.
Origin: An t-Eilean Sgitheanach [Skye; Skye, Glendale acc. to other questionnaires]
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
mar aingeal: like an angel, comeliness, innocence.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Coltas an Duine / Personal Appearance
mar an daoimean: like diomand [sic] [diamond?].
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Coltas an Duine / Personal Appearance
mar an easgann: as pliable as an eel, wriggles himself like an eel.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Coltas an Duine / Personal Appearance
mar an t-uabhal: clean [?] like an apple.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Coltas an Duine / Personal Appearance
marann (-an): looking at the darker side of things, e.g. “Tha i dol a shileadh a maireach Iain.” “Och eisd tha thusa làn de na marannan.”
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
marbh ri sgadan: an dead as a herring.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Coltas an Duine / Personal Appearance
marbh'an'thach, mar'an-ach, marachloimh: wool off the skin of dead animal.
Location: [Lewis], Arnol, Bragar and Uigen
Category: Obair na Clòimhe / Wool-Working
mart: after 3 years once 1st calf born. Tha i ’na mart airson an corr de ’beatha.
Origin: Mull, Bunessan, Ardtun or Mull, Tobermory
Category: Crodh / Cattle
mart bochd: an unwell cow.
Origin: Mull, Bunessan, Ardtun or Mull, Tobermory
Category: Crodh / Cattle
maruisg: an ogre, man-eating monster.
Location: Skye
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
mary-feeck-an-ardack: Origin: [Ross-shire]
Category: Nàdur an Duine / Personality
maslaich: Quot.: “Seall air a’ chù agad a’ maslachadh nan òthaisgean.” Note: worrying sheep. (Heard an Uig man say this.)
Origin: Carloway, Doune
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
mastaig: an objectionable woman.
Origin: [Note: From North Uist, information from Alex O’Henley / RÓM 4 Dec 2023]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
mastaige: Duine grànda, ’na dhòigh. Duine a nì rudan grànda, agus glé ghrànda. Chan eil fhios ’am an ann bho mastiff masluidh [?] (cù) a tha seo. Faic Dwelly. [SLIP: A man who would “do the dirty” on other people.]
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Nàdur an Duine / Personality
math: adj. ‘good’ : ma bhios tusa cho ~ ‘s gun coimhead thu, gheibh thu an tuagh; ‘like’: muran dèanadh iad an rud bu mhath leotha ‘ dhèanamh
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
math: nn ‘good; use’ : cha robh ~ dha stepadh nuair a bhiodh e ‘ tilgeil an ùird; cha robh ~ dha ‘ bhith ‘ leum … bho àite gu àite ga thionndadh; cha robh ~ dhaibh [‘it didn’t work’];
chan ei’ ~ dhomh; chan eil ~ dhut ‘ iarraidh;
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
Math an aghaidh an uilc: no matter the crime or offence righteousness will triumph.
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
mathachadh: when someone was maintaining that he was always right, even though he might be wrong. “Tha an duine sin cho math air mathachadh.”
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Mathair an Tighearna Iosa Chriosda: Location: Arran, Pirnmill
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
meabhraich: vb. ‘study’: ach an-diugh feumaidh tu tacan beag a thoirt a’ meabhrachadh
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
meadachd: [mɛ̃ɛ̃dɑ˖xk] Notes: size of an article, its dimensions.
Location: Ross of Mull
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
meadal: Quotation: Rinn an cù meadal rium. Notes: showed pleasure at seeing me, e.g. wagging tail.
Location: Skye, Kilmuir
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
meadhan: nn ‘middle’ : feumaidh iad seo a dhol air ~ [me:o in] an àit' ach __
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
meadharra-theach (?): Quotation: Ged nach eil mi ’m Beàrnaraigh Bheag / Na creid nach eil e air m’ ùidh, / B’fheàrr leam na meadharra-theach / Bhi faicinn nan clach air an Stùidh. Notes: explained by Catriona Mhór as ‘stòras’ or ‘saidhbhreas’. Source: Catriona Mhór, from her telling of the story of the Norse Princess.
Location: Lewis
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
meall: for an accumulation or a batch of some commodity or other. More often this would be expressed as ‘tonn’ in Uist. “Fhuair mi deagh thonn mònadh dhachaidh an diugh.”
Location: South Uist, Milton
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
meall: Quotation: Meall is caith agus tilg nan luideagan air an dùnan iad.
Location: Islay, Port Wemyss
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
meall: Quot.: “Meall is caith e ’s cuir a-nall an ath-aodach.” Note: said to one who has just bought or got new clothes.
Location: Harris, Quidinish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
meall is caith e: when you wear a new garment it is or certainly was customary to greet such an event with this phrase, e.g. “Meall is caith na brògan ùra.”
Location: North Uist, Carinish, Cnoc Cuidhein [Knockquien]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
mealladh sula: An ocular illusion.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
mealladh-nathrach: Notes: a piece of round perforated jet dipped in water, and water applied to udder of cow when stung by an adder. Made to Celtic measures.
Origin: Skye
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
meanachaladh: gravelly, peebley [sic] [pebbly?] ground. An t-àit’ a’s fhèarr airson am faotainn. Dh’fhaodadh grunnd creagach a bhi a cheart cho math.
Origin: Tiriodh [Tiree] (Rugadh Daibhidh ann an Glaschu ach chaidh a thogail ann an Tiriodh bho’n a bha e trì bliadhn’ a dh’aois.)
Category: Iasgach a’ Ghiomaich / Lobster-Fishing
meanachdainn: [mɛ̃ṉɑxkĩnʹ] Quotation: Fhuair e [mɛ̃ṉɑxkĩnʹ] leis an fhuachd.
Location: Ross-shire, Achiltibuie, Alltan Dubh
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
meanbh: an dàra bòrd bho’n druim.
Location: Na Hearadh, Gòbhaig [Harris, Gobhaig]
Category: Eathraichean / Boats
meanmhainn: [mɛ̃n̪ɑvĩnʹ] Quotation: Tha meanmhainn orm. Notes: “I have an itchy nose” – as when one feels someone is thinking about one.
Location: Ross-shire, Aultbea
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
mearachd: n. ‘mistake’: shin fon (far) an deachaidh a’ mh. a dhèanamh
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
mearaig: [mɛ̃ɾiɡʹ] Quotation: Tha mi air [mɛ̃ɾiɡʹəɣ] leis an fhuachd or Tha mi air mo [vɛ̃ɾiɡʹəɣ] leis an fhuachd or leis an t-acras. Notes: perish.
Origin: Sutherland, Embo
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
mearmin: an itchy nostril, which foretold getting a letter. (Stoer, Assynt)
Origin: Assynt, Stoer
Category: Biadh is Deoch / Food and Drink
meas: nn ‘liking’ : bha ~ gàbhaidh aige air an fhuaraig; tha ~ uamhasach agam air nigheanan beaga
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
measair: (Seo ri a chrìochnachadh.) Tha an dealbh-sa glé choltach ri tha [sic].

Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Leabhar Deilbh / Drawing Book
meatag an t-sionnaich: [SLIP: Foxglove. Cf. also ‘Meuran nan Daoine Sithich’.]
Origin: Kill-Fhinn
Category: Crodh / Cattle
meataich: Quotation: Tha e air meatachadh leis an fhuachd. Notes: chilled, numbed.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
megan: an earmark. [NOTES: corrected to ‘meagan’.]
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Meidh (Ann an Nis); Maigh (Anns an Rudha): Faic an dealbh. ’S ann air son iasg a’ chamuis a tha an dòrgh so freagarrach – adagan, cnodain, etc. Nuair a ruigeas tu an grunn iasgaich le na maighean tha toiseach an eathair ga cur ris an t-sruth, is mar a bi an sruth ro làidir cumaidh aon duine le da ràmh i faisg air an aon àite. Tha na dubhain air am biadhadh le sgadan, rionnach, feusgan no maorach is tha am maigh air a leigeil chun a’ ghrunna. Tha thu ga thogail mu throigh no dha bhon a’ ghrunn is a’ feitheamh gu fairich thu clibeadh.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
meigearlan: [mɛ̃ɡʹəɫɑṉ] Note: fear a bhiodh an cab aige as a h-uile rud.
Origin: Carloway, Doune
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
meighe (m.): leud na sgrath. Ma tha ‘meighe’ mór agad tha barrachd fhòid ann agus tha iad na’s duilighe ’n tilgeil chun an uachdar. Bha ‘meighe mór’ ’na chomharra air neart an luchd buana.
Origin: Uibhist-a-Tuath [North Uist]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
meilich: [mɛliç] Quotation: Bha e gu meileachdainn leis an fhuachd. Notes: “He was almost numbed by the cold.”
Origin: Glenurquhart
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
meilich: [mɛ̃liç] Quotation: Bha mi air mo mheileachadh leis an fhuachd.
Location: Skye, Harlosh
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
meilich: [mɛ̃liç] Quotation: Tha e air meileachadh leis an fhuachd. Notes: benumb.
Origin: Strontian
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
mein-àridh: two small boards with steel [?] pins at each end laid across the woven tweed on the ‘gorm-an-ìuchd’ [q.v.] to keep the tweed edges straight.

Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
meirairt: an illness in animals where the gums grew too far over the teeth. Had to be taken to a smithy where the excess gum would be burnt off.
Location: South Uist, Stoneybridge
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
meirg: [meðeɡʹ] Quot.: “Is meirg a chuireas an ùir air súil [sic] a’ chinnidh fhéin.” Note: “mairg” [mɑɾɑɡʹ] in Barvas.
Location: [Lewis], South Lochs, Caversta
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
meogh: to caress. “Bha i a’ meogh na teudan air an fhidhill.”
Location: North Uist, Hoghagearraidh [Hougharry]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
meur: Note: point on an antler.
Location: Harris
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
meur: Quotation: meur an troighsgeir. Notes: the cutting blade of the peat-cutting iron.
Location: Coll, Sorrisdale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Mhic an Diabhuil!: Location: Killearnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
mi-fhoiseil: Notes: restless (not in Dw. in this form). Usually an-fhoiseil.
Location: Ross-shire, Aultbea
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
mi-lointeach: annoyed. “Bha e ag eisdeachd gle mhi-lointeach ris an fhear eile.”
Location: North Uist, Iollathraigh [Illeray]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
mi-thuarail: [mĩ:hu̟ɤɾɑl] Notes: of poor colour in the face as after an illness.
Origin: North Uist
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
mialagan-mara: could this be sea-mews, if there is such an English word. Yes – the word meaning to this effect. [NOTES: slipped under ‘mialag-mara’ with pl. mialagan-mara. Definition: Sea-mews (?).]
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris,Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
miall: an ulcer on a horse’s upper lip.
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
miamhail: [m[ĩɑ̃]vilʹ] Quotation: an cat a miamhail. Notes: mewing.
Location: Ross-shire, Achiltibuie, Alltan Dubh
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
miapadh: Notes: an unfortunate accident, mishap.
Origin: Skye
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
miasaid: (Fuaimnich mar sliasaid.) Tha fear dhiubh seo aig loch aig Aird Uige. ’Se seòrsa de chladach tioram – pìos mór, mór dheth – a th’ann. Cladach agus morghan, agus smait gainmheach. Shuas aig Bréidhnis tha Druim a’ Mhiasaid. Chan eil eòlas sam bith agam de an seòrsa àite a th’ann.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Cruth na Tìre / Landscape Features
mileachadh: Quotation: Tha mi air mo mhileachadh leis an fhuachd. Notes: I am benumbed by cold.
Location: Canada, Christmas Island
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
mileachadh: Quotation: Bha mi air mo mhileachadh leis an fhuachd.
Location: Coll, Sorrisdale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
milis: Quotation: Cho daor ris an aran mhilis.
Location: Harris, Ardhasaig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
milleadh air an ròp: fraying, or frayed, rope.
Origin: An Ros Muileach [Ross of Mull]
Category: Iasgach a’ Ghiomaich / Lobster-Fishing
min: Quotation: min an t-sàibh. Notes: saw-dust.
Location: Sutherland, Kinlochbervie, Oldshoremore
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
mineachadh: Quotation: Tha mi gus mo mhineachadh leis an fhuachd.
Location: Lewis, Barvas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
minidh: [mĩṉi] Note: a shoemaker’s awl. “Minidh dearcaidh”: the finer-pointed awl for stitching two parts of the uppers together. “Minidh buinn”: an awl with the tip bent used for soling. Sometimes called “minidh crom”.
Location: Lewis, Uig, Crowlista
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
minidh: Awl. Minidh-buinn: [see illustration]. Minidh-beag: [see illustration]. Agus mur a h-eil mi dol ceàrr, cha chreid mi nach canadh iad minidh dearcaidh, cuideachd, ri minidh-beag. Dearcadh – pàirt de an bhròig (de uachdar na bròige).

Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
minnean (p. -an): Notes: pellet of sheep’s dung.
Location: Applecross
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
miolan crùbaig: Gàilleach no sgamhan na crùbaig. Tha iad eadar a’ chéir is an t-slige gheal a tha stigh. So an aon phairt do’n chrùbaig ach an t-slige nach fhiach itheadh.
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness, Lionel
Category: Maorach / Shellfish
miolar: an axle.
Origin: [Strathglass]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
mionnaichean-an-éisg: fish entrails.
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
miosa: Quotation: Ach gu mìle miosa, ’s ann a bha an duine sin roimpe. Notes: but a thousand times worse (than that)…
Location: Ross-shire, Dornie, Morvich
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
miosaradh: Quotation: Nall am muidhe ’s an ceann ann (3) / Fiach an teann am miosaradh. Notes: Dw. has measradh (from DMy) in sense of ‘churning’, etc. Source: Banntrach Iain Aonghuis Bhig (from Calanish) used to sing this when churning (in Keose).
Location: Lewis
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
miothlaint: a nuisance or pest. “Tha miothlaint a’ tighinn thugainn an diugh.”
Location: North Uist, Sollas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
misneach: nn ‘courage’ : neo’r-thaing nach robh ~ [miʃəɲəx] ac’; bha ~ [mIʃəɲax] aige an deoghaidh deochannan a ghabhail
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
mitheach: Quotation: form of address to a girl: A mitheach/bitheach. A mitheach ort. Notes: bitheach used in Keose, Lochs. Dw. has bithe ‘female, of or belonging to the female sex (Armstrong) (an adj.). Source: Lewis usage recalled (D.S.T.). Date: July, 1973.
Location: Lewis
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
mo-sùgan!: [sic] an expression of endearment. [NOTES: slipped under ‘sùgan’.]
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Modarach: ’S ann an Nis a tha an t-ainm so. Tha e mu leth meud murtair is air an aon chumadh le sia dubhanan lin mhóra. Tha e so freagarrach gu bhith glacadh na leth bhodach ruadha as t-earrach. Chan eil biadhadh ga chur air modarach no air murtair. Tha iad air an tarraing as deidh an eathair, no air an oibreachadh sios as suas a mach air cliathaich an eathair. Tha an glensa a tha as an luaidhe a’ tarraing an éisg thuca is tha na dubhain a’ dol an sàs.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
moglachadh: an entangled fish.
Location: [Harris], Scalpay
Category: Iasgach an Sgadain / Herring-Fishing
moglachadh: an eel, dogfish, etc., entangled in the netting.
Location: [Harris], Scalpay
Category: Iasgach an Sgadain / Herring-Fishing
Mogul: Tha da oirleach anns gach mogul anns gach lion ùr. Leis a’ chartadh agus leis cho tric is a bhios iad anns an fhairge tha gach mogul a’ fas na’s cuinge gach season, gus mu dheireadh cha bhith na lin so gu feum ann an iasgach an t-samhraidh. Bidh iad gan cur gu feum anns a’ gheamhradh agus as t-earrach gu glacadh sgadan beag na lochan. Tha cuid de na lochan cho salach le sgeirean is le bóghaichean is nach fhaigh na bàtaichean air ‘druftadh’ annta. Bidh iad mar sin a cur badan lion air acraichean annta aig tuiteam na h-oidhche is gan togail aig tighinn an la.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
mogulair (E): Airson a’ mheud cheart a bhith anns na moguil anns an lìon. Bhiodh am mogulair mu 3 òirlich a dh’fhad.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
moine amh: Moine a chaidh a chur do’n chruaich nach robh air caoineachadh ceart. ’S ann ainneamh a thiormaicheas i anns a’ chruaich. Cuideachd, sgréadhaidh no brisidh an reòdhadh fadan an stéidhidh agus tuitidh a’ chruach.
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
moine chalcas: So moine chòsach anns nach eil moran feuma, a dh’fhàs as a’ choinnich, gu h-àraidh ann an àiteachan far am biodh badan de ‘Sphagnum Moss’. (Co dhiù, ’s e sin a chaidh innse dhomh-sa.) Aig amannan tachraidh stiallan do’n chalcas so riut ann am poll monach réisg dubh.
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
moine fhraoich: this has an ad-mixture of roots – mostly heather roots – usually the top layer from the bank.
Origin: Eileanaich [natives of Lewis]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
moine phronn dhubh: Mun a tig a’ mhoine so dhachaidh mus bi i buileach tioram theid i ’na smùr air na puill. Tha i trom, is tha moran teas innte, agus ged a rachadh i ’na smur aig an tigh tha an smur so mar an gual ann an stòbha. Mar as trice ’se luath anabarrach dearg a ni i mar gum biodh moran iaruinn innte. Tha i so air a buain ris a’ chruadhlach.
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
moine tasgaidh: Fadan móra tiugh a chuirear air an druim dìreach do’n luath aig am dol a chadal gus an cum iad an teine beò air a shocair gu maduinn. Tha ploicein math air son so.
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
moine-bhàn: mòine dhomain gun móran teas agus dualach an t-uisge ghabhail an deigh an tiormachadh. [NOTES: “mhoine-bhàn” and its definition appear at the bottom of page 3 and “moine-bhàn” and its definition at the top of page 4; they may be meant to be just one item.]
Origin: [Taransay]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
mointeag (-an): a name applied to cattle that came from Mull.
Location: South Uist, Geirinish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
mol: a shaft, an axle.
Origin: [Strathglass]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
molachaidh: An taobh molachaidh dhe – the humorous side of him. ’S ann am molachadh a tha e – he is only prenting [sic] (Harris).
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
moll: còmhdach as fhaide a-muigh air an t-sìol.
Origin: [Barra]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
moll: Quotation: Chaneil air fhàgail ach am moll agus an ceannach-ruilleadh. Notes: only the chaff and small grains are left, i.e. the weaklings, etc.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
molt beag an fhoghair: a wether which would be slaughtered when the people were busy harvesting.
Location: South Uist, Stoneybridge
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
monagnaidh: [mɔ̃ṉɑɡṉi] Quot.: “Tha an fheòil seo monagnaidh.” Note: beginning to deteriorate.
Origin: Crowlista
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
monaiseach: [mɔ̃ṉɑʃɑx] Note: having an easy-oasy, couldn’t-care-less attitude.
Location: Harris, Quidinish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Morbhearn, Suaineart, Aird-Ghobhar: Allt Samhairigh, Creag an Fhithich, Achadh Forsa, Clagan, Uladal, Meall Achadh a’ Chuirn, Cnoc Carrach, Achadh Gabhail, Coire nan Gobhar, Loch Suaineairt, Loch a’ Chothruim, Gleann na Tairbeirt, Corran.
Origin: [Strathglass]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
mosach: Quotation: Tha i mosach an diugh. Notes: only common in Tiree and Coll as a comment on the weather.
Origin: Tiree
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
mosach: adj ‘dismal, hateful’. : bha i [an t-sìde] an-dè; nathair mh.; bha oidhche mh. stoirmeil ann [FMMaclellan]; nam biodh iad air fad car ~ ri chèile [MAE]
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
motan: A’ chlòimhteach a chruinnicheas ann an lùibean do bhriogais aig na turn-ups ’s a leithid sin. Bhiodh na bodaich ’g a chur gu feum airson an fhuil a chasg nuair a ghearradh fear dhiubh e-fhein dona.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
mu: Quotation: Chaneil cho fad o chaidh sin mu làr. Notes: It is not so long since that went out of existence, came to an end.
Location: Skye, Kilmuir
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
mu: prep. ‘about’ : gun seo ach air a thoirt às a’ bhuideil mu [ma] uair; 1 sg.[for an/ am ‘in’: ‘na sanntaich….!’ a chaidh a chur umam aig an fheadhain aig an taigh
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
mu réir: Quotation: “Leig an cù mu réir.” Notes: “Let the dog loose.”
Location: Tiree, [Caolas? – one slip]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
muallan: lowing of cattle. [See nuallan.] An attentive hear [sic] [ear?] could also find this pronunciation with some.
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
muc: nn f. ‘pig’ : pl. agus an seanfhacal, na Campbells ‘s e na ~an a theireadh iad leotha
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
muigh (fem.): [mu̜ˈi] churn. Tha muigh ri dheanamh an diugh. [NOTES: slipped under ‘muidhe’.]
Origin: Kill-Fhinn
Category: Crodh / Cattle
muileann: n. ‘mill’: cha robh muileann ann aig an àm; PL.: bha muiltean ann, muiltean bleith; agus bha muiltean a bha iad fhèin a’ dèanamh aig an dachaigh; muiltean uisge agus mun do thòisich
a’ mhuileann uisge fhèin
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Mira Co., Marion Bridge
Category: Word List
muilithine: nn ‘loaf’: ciamar a chòrd a mh. ribh an oidhche roimhe? ‘ Robh fhios agaibh gur e lof -- ~ a bheireamaid rithe ann an Gàidhlig
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
muilnean feòir: an armful of hay.
Origin: Leodhas [Lewis], Uig
Category: Crodh / Cattle
muin: nn ‘back’ : bha iad a’ fàs an sin air ~ a chèile
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
muinlean connlaich: an armful of straw.
Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
muinne: [mũ̟nʹə] Quot.: “muinne caorach”. Note: the fat round the entrails of an animal.
Origin: [Barvas]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Muinntir an Aonaidh: Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
Muinntir an Aonidh 1900: Union of UPEES and Free Church (1900), United Free Church.
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
muinntir an Aonidh 1969: United Free Church and Established Church of Scotland (1930). U. F. Continuing. Those who did not join the 1930 Union. [NOTES: the last comment on U. F. added later.]
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
muir: Quotation: an tinneas mara. Notes: seasickness (Jura).
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
muir air an coisicheadh na cuileagan: Location: Na Hearadh, Gòbhaig [Harris, Gobhaig]
Category: Sìde / Weather
muir gaoitheadh: tonn air an togail leis a ghaoith.
Location: [Harris], Leverburgh
Category: Cruth na Tìre / Landscape Features
muirsgean: (Muirsig – muirsigean anns an Rudha, muisgean ann an Nis.) Razor fish. Chan eil iad an Nis ach gheibhear moran dhuibh [sic] air na Lochan, ann an Uig, is tha iad pailt pailt [sic] an gainmheach an Loch a Tuath mu Mhealbost is Stéinis is air an taobh a deas aig Tolm. Chi thu an t-srùp aca aig amannan os cionn na gainmhich agus ma bheireas tu air gun greimeachadh air an t-slige fàgaidh e an t-srup ’na do laimh is ni e fhein gu doimhne. Aig amannan bidh tràigh an Loch a Tuath a’ bristeadh is theid mìltean dhuibh [sic] a thilgeil gu tir. Tha iad ag radh gum brist i a chula seachd bliadhna, ach cha do bhrist i mór bho 1953 – tha e nis 1967. Chaidh innse dhomh – ge bi air bith a bheil e ceart - gur e gaoth làidir is tide mhara lionaidh làidir an aghaidh a’ cheile a tha sluaisreadh na gainmhich ’sa toirt na muirsgean chun an uachdair is tha na suailichean gan tilgeil gu tìr.
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness, Lionel
Category: Maorach / Shellfish
muirtèachd: Bhiodh seo a’ tighinn air tìr air a’ chladach; gheibheadh sibh e an tiùrr an làn. Ach tha e a mach as àite agam an seo. Tha e air a thighinn againn gu ‘murtèachd’. Na’s fheàrr no sin (air a neo na’s miosa) gu burtèachd. (Mar ‘thubhairt’, aithghearr + tèachd.) (Chan è burt' iachd. Burtiachd'.)
Origin: Lewis, Uig an Iar
Category: Maorach / Shellfish
mulan: corn-stack in stack-yard. An ceann (thatched with seileasdair (iris) or [sic]: – Am bodach (½ doz sheaves). – Bann. – Crios. – Sìoman-sgéith. – Am màthair shìoman. An cal(a)ba. An t-sreath (outer row of sheaves). (Ears of adag to centre.) Biadh a’ mhulain (inner row of sheaves).
Origin: Tiree
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
mullach: child. An aon mhullach a tha agam. [NOTES: the slip has ‘…a th’agam’.]
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
mullach: Note: “mullach” used often for a person in a kindly or loving way, e.g. “M’eudail ’s air a’ mhullach!” or “Sud far an robh an deagh mhullach.” The former usually applied to a child.
Origin: [Ness]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
mullach (m): Quotation: ’na shuidhe am mullach an teine. Notes: not quite.
Location: Harris, Ardhasaig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
mullach an taighe: the roof.
Origin: Bràigh-Lochabar [Brae Lochaber]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
mun aisidh: to decide, e.g. “Thug sinn mun aisidh an seòl a chuir rithe.” “Thug mi mun aisidh ceist neo dhà a chur air na fir.” “Thug e mun aisidh fear lagh fhaicinn.” [NOTES: ‘supplied by Torcuil MacRae, North Lochs, Lewis.’]
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
murrag (-an): driftwood or indeed anything that might be found on the shore. It is a tribute to the wiliness of Hebridean people that they always refer to such a find as a ‘murrag’, even when it was a crate of whisky or rum. No one elaborated on what they had found except to say that they had found a ‘murrag’.
Location: North Uist, Grimsay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
murragan: rudan a thig air a mhuir gu tir – rud ’s a bith. An t’fhuair thu murragan an diugh air a’ chladach?
Location: Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
murt: nn ‘murder’ : ~ clìor a bha seo; tha ~ is marbhadh a’ dol air adhart an-diugh nas miosa
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
Murtair: Cnap cruinn luaidhe, naoidh oirlich a dh’fhad, oirleach gu leth anns a’ bhun is oirleach ’na bhàrr. Tha sia dubhanan lin mhór air, is e dorgh dhragh an t-sreang a bhios air. Tha an dorgh dhragh so laidir le 1/10 oirleach a thuighead.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
màgail: Notes: walking slowly like an old man.
Location: Lewis, Barvas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
màgan: Quotation: Bha e air a’ mhàgan air an ùrlar. Notes: on all fours.
Origin: Tiree
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Màigh: n. ‘May’: a’ chiad mhìos den Mhàigh, bhathas ga chur an uair sin
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
màireach: [mɛ̣ɛ̣rəx] Quotation: “Leat an diugh ’nad aghaidh am màireach.” Notes: tomorrow.
Location: Ross of Mull
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
màl: nn ‘rent’ : chan fhaigheadh iad __ taigh air mh. an àit’ sam bith eile dhan bhaile [DAG]
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
màm: ulcerous wound, infesting, externally under the auxter. 2. Gaelic ‘at’ –
festing [sic] [festering?] wound approached by an expertee [sic] who used to act with an axe
head towards the wound and reciting [sic] a chant, etc. for cure. Have heard of it
(orally).
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Blàthan-Leighis / Medicinal Plants
màrlspàic: an iron spike tapering at one end. Used for splicing wire. Also had wooden equivalent for splicing rope.
Location: South Uist, South Lochboisdale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Màrt: Quotation: Olc air mhath an tig an tìd, cuir do shiol ’s an fhìor Mhàrt. Notes: (1) the soil must be in the same condition each year when the seed is planted, irrespective of the date. (2) the seed should be sown on the same date in March, irrespective of the weather. (See Dw.) G.C. favours former explanation.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
màs: Quot.: màs an tigh; màs an t-sobhail. Note: the end away from the living quarters.
Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Màs an tighe: Bhà.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
màs an tighe: lower end.
Location: [Lewis], Siabost
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
màs na cruaiche: So an ceann duinte – ceart dhìreach mu choinneamh an doruis. Canar ‘ceann na cruaiche’ ris a’ cheann so cuideachd.
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
màthair: Quotation: màthair uisge, màthair an tobair. Notes: source.
Location: Skye, Breakish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
màthair an duilisg: Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
màthair-an-duilisg: Notes: Irish moss.
Location: Glendale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
màthair-an-duilisg: Notes: Irish moss.
Location: Skye, Kilmuir
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
màthair-an-duilisg: Notes: carrageen.
Location: Raasay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
mánran: Quotation: ’Shíne dhonn na’m buadhan blátha, / ’Sann deam fhein bu bhinn do mhánran / Ach a nis bho rinn thu m’fhágail / Chaidh mo chláirseach as a h-altan. Notes: used in the sense of delightful melody. By a local poet about a hundred years ago, of a neighbour “nightingale” whose voice in church served as an organ.
Origin: West Lewis [the location given on the slips]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
mèigheadh: mare? A corrupted word likely. Bàgh-na-meigheadh [sic] – an original name for a bay in the island of Scalpay (Harris) or from… [sic]
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
mìl an iuchair: July showers.
Origin: Harris, Horgabost or Harris, Kyles Stockinish
Category: Sìde / Weather
mìle pios: smithereens. Cha [sic] e ’na mhìle pios. – perhaps one reference to describing an article, cup, etc. breaking into smithereens.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
mìlleag (-an): refers to a stage in butter making when the cream had been whipped to the extent that it became small fragments – ‘mìlleagan’.
Location: North Uist, Hoghagearraidh [Hougharry]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
mìreadh: Cromain, picean, ’s nithean de’n t-seòrsa-sin, air an geurachadh ’s air an leasachadh mar a bhiodh feum air. Bha iad air am mìreadh. Aig a’ ghobha. Bidh lorg aig Murchadh MacLeòid, Southend, gu math air dé a bh’ann ‘mìreadh’. ’Se gobha a bha ’n a athair. Gobha nan Uigean a chanadh sinn ris.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
mòine: Quotation: mòine ghaothaich. Notes: where there is only a thin layer of turf and peat (i.e. in an area where peat was cut before), it is almost dry when it is cut.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
mòine dhubh: mòine dhubh, throm – mar as trice as an dubhad.
Origin: Borraraig [Skye, Boreraig]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
mòine luath-deirg: Cha bu chaomh le na bodaich idir a’ mhòine-sa agus gun chàil cèarr oirre ach gu robh an luath aice dearg. Mar a’ mhòine bhàn bha i aotrom ri a tarruing.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
mòine-bharrach: Mòine faisg a làimh a bhith tu a’ gearradh leis an spaid. Bhiodh na h-uibhir de fhraoch, ’s na h-uibhir de thalamh, ’s na h-uibhir de riasg glan innte. Chunnaic mi seo ’s a’ bhaile, ged nach robh e againn fhìn.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
mòine-bhàn: Bha thu ’ga gearradh tana. Bha i na bu duilghe a tiormachadh. Ach bha i aotrom ri a tarruing. Sgamhan bàn, chanadh na bodaich. Sgamhan de mhòine bhàin. Cha sheasadh a’ mhòine bhàn cho fada ’s an teine idir ris a’ mhòine dhuibh.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
mòine-dhubh: Dh’fheumadh tu a gearradh tiugh. Bha i pronn. ’Se connadh math a bh’innte. Bha i trom ri a tarruing air an druim.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
mòinteach (I): ’Se ‘mòinteach’ a th’againn an còmhnuidh. ’Sann tearc, tearc a chanas sinn ‘monadh’.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Cruth na Tìre / Landscape Features
mòintich-an-fhraoich: heather-clad moorland void of arable patches or cultivation.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
mòr: adj. ‘large’: (an d’rinn thu?) cha d’rinn, agus cha mhotha na sina tha dùil a’m ‘either, neither’
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
mòraidhean: fertile land in the moorland on the eastern side of the island which was divided between the villagers, who received about an acre each. This land was ploughed and used to supplement croft land. Nowadays it is used for peat bogs.
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
móine: Quotation: móine spaideadh. Notes: peat cut with an ordinary spade.
Location: Skye, Broadford
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
mùin: Quotation: A’ mùin ’s an aon fhaochaig, cha bhi i fada gun dol fairis. Notes: said of two people who are very friendly for a time.
Origin: North Uist
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
mùircean: [mũ̟:ɾcɑṉ] Quot.: “Mùircean greannach air nach laigh an gàire.” Note: same as mùigean [q.v.].
Origin: Swainbost
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
mùla: Tha an t-ainm-sa an dà àite againn, cuideachd, am Beannaibh Uige. Mùla Chaolartan, agus Mùla Thamnaiseal. Anns na mapaichean, cho fada agus is aithne dhomh, ’se ‘maola’ a th’aca. Ach air bilean an t-sluaigh ’s e ‘mùla’, m-ù-l-a. Agus ann an còmhradh canaidh iad ‘mùla eagalach’ ’s mar sin far am biodh cruach mhònach no mar sin garbh-beartach mór. “’Se mùla eagalach a th’innte.”
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Cruth na Tìre / Landscape Features
mùngait: an untidy kind of person who does not care too much about his appearance or about what people think of him. [NOTES: corrected to ‘mungait’.]
Location: South Uist, Bornish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
na: rel. pron. ‘all that’ : ~ bha an siud do chreig
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
na ceannachragan: ceangal an tobhta ri cliathach an eathar.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
na chnapan dearga: means it [i.e. herring] being thickly congregated on the point of breaking into playful practice or movement – reference ‘an t-uamhas dhe cliucheadh [sic]’.
Location: [Harris], Scalpay
Category: Iasgach an Sgadain / Herring-Fishing
Na Dubhain: ’Se Meud ceithir a tha iad a’ cleachdadh an diugh air lin mhóra. ’Se Meud trì a chleachd a bhith aca an so gu am a’ Chogaidh Mhóir 1939/45. ’Se iarrunn a bha ann am Meud Tri, ach ’se ‘alloy’ a tha ann am Meud Ceithir is tha e na’s làidire is cha mheirg e. Suas gu Cogadh 1939/45 ’se (A) Meud Tri a bhiodh iasgairean Nis is Phortnagùran a’ gnathachadh. Bho’n am sin ’se (B) Meud Ceithir a tha iad a’ gnathachadh anns gach àite.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
na fathan: to be left in poverty, e.g. “Nuair a bhitheas an gràn uladh bith sinn aig na fathan.”
Location: South Uist, Stilligarry
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
na fuaindean: extended down from the above hand grips [i.e. na duirn (q.v.)] down to the plough itself. Made of iron. One on each side known as ‘an fhuainde bheag ’s an fhuainde mhór’.
Location: North Uist, Iollaraigh [Illeray]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
na fàdan (no fòid): seachd fàdan as a’ bharrad air leud, sia as a’ ghrunnad agus cóig as an dubhad.
Origin: Borraraig [Skye, Boreraig]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
Na fàluns: So an t-ainm a bha aca air an amar mhór cheithir oiseanach anns am biodh an sgadan air a dhòirteadh air beulaibh nan cutairean mar a thigeadh e as na bàtaichean.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
Na h-eaglaisean againne ann an Uig:: Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
Na h-Eileanan an Iar: Western Isles. Celtic spiral circle. Inside these islands and sea intertwined.
Location: South Uist, South Boisdale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Na h-Orduighean Beaga: Cho fada ’s is aithne dhomh ’s ann an Leòdhas a thòisich seo. Orduighean beaga aca eadar na h-òrduighean suidhichte, aon uair, no smaite barrachd air aon uair, anns a’ bhliadhna. Cha chreid mi gu bheil comanachadh aca aig na h-Orduighean Beaga idir. Chan eil mi cinnteach am bheil Là Ceist fhein aca. Cha chanainn gu bheil.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
na laighe ann an neul: lying in a dazed state.
Location: Arran, Pirnmill
Category: Cur-seachadan: Dèideagan, Geamaichean is Farpaisean / Recreation: Toys, Games, Contests
na luinn: shimmering, glitter-like appearance in grass during an especially hot summer.
Location: South Uist, South Lochboisdale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
na pagaisean: The privates (na buill dhìomhair). (males) Females: Dh’fhaodadh gu’n cual mi uair e mu females ach ’s ann do an fheadhainn eile, saoilidh mi, a bhuineas an t-ainm. ’S ann riutha a bhitheadh e.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
na sgrathan: These were square pieces of green sod or turf thinly cut with a sharp kind of spade called a ‘caibe-làir’. There was an art in the cutting of a ‘sgrath’ and an ordinary spade would not do. The ‘sgrathan’ were laid on top of the rafters, ‘taobhain’ [q.v.] and ‘maidean-ceangail’ [q.v.] in a very methodical way, so that every inch of wood was covered. Finally the thatch, rushes or heather, was carefully spread on top of ‘sgrathan’ and held down by heather ropes, ‘sioman fraoich’, in criss-cross pattern. To the ends of these ropes, which dangled over the top of wall below, heavy stones called ‘acraichean’ were attached to keep thatch secure in place in time of storm. If the least flaw was detected in a ‘sgrath’ after it was cut, it was at once discarded as unsuitable for the roof of a building.
Origin: Skye
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
na teinnteanan: an dà thaobh.
Origin: Geàrrloch (Loch Iubh) [Gairloch (Loch Ewe)]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
Na trì nithean as iasgailte a tha ann:: “Dubhan bradach, beairt ribeach, slat cham chaorainn air a buain ann an aodainn creige.” Bho Uilleam Mac Illeathain (78) am Poll-Dùbh. Mhìnich e dhomh e mar seo: Bha am fiodh cruaidh (fàs mall) leis nach robh móran torraidh aice (a’ chraobh) an aodainn creige. An uair a bha an t-slat cam bha i nas nàdurraiche os cionn an uisge, an dubhan meirgeach agus geur agus mar sin bradach, am beairt ribeach (a’ ghaoisid uirlach [?]) (a’ mealladh an éisg). ’S ann gu h-àraidh air creagach a bha e tighinn.
Origin: Geàrrloch (Loch Iubh) [Gairloch (Loch Ewe)]
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
na tròcairean: “A’ leigeil le na tròcairean a dhol a dhith air an teine, a’ leughadh a’ Bhìobuill, an e sin Crìosdalachd?” Na tròcairean – am biadh.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
na tòsagan: An oidhche bha òraid againn an uiridh aig Comunn Leòdhais agus na Hearadh, chuala mi trì ainmeannan nach robh agam-sa roimhe. Bha seo aig R.R. MàcDhòmhnuill (“R.R.” mar a chanadh iad), maighstir-sgoile á Leòdhas againn fhìn. Bho thaobh siar an eilein. Tha e an diugh a chòmhnuidh am Burnside. (Bidh lorg aig Ruairidh, saoilidh mi, air an duine-sa.) 1. Na tòsagan (T cruaidh): seòrsa de chluiche no a leithid sin. [Cf. an spannadh, buill-ìg.]
Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Nach b’e ’n di-bhailteach an gamhainn: a scraggy stirk.
Origin: Barra
Category: Crodh / Cattle
Nach e a tha maol: an obtuse person.
Location: South Uist, Daliburgh
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
nach tu bhiodh ann an Hiort: Location: Na Hearadh [Harris], Cluer
Category: Nàdur an Duine / Personality
Nadur an duine (Personality): Origin: Skye
Category: Nàdur an Duine / Personality
naidheachd: nn : pl.~an ‘news’: saoil nach bi na ~an aca nuair a ruigeas iad dhachaigh
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
nasg: chan’eil am facal againn a nis ach ann “air an nasg” i.e. ceangailte gun bhiadh fad an latha.
Origin: Geàrrloch (Loch Iubh) [Gairloch (Loch Ewe)]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
nasgaidh: free. Cha eil [sic] port an nasgaidh ann.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
nathair: Quotation: an tarbh-nathrach. Notes: dragonfly.
Location: Islay, Bowmore
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
nathair-uisge: nn f. ‘water snake’: tha ~ againn an seo
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
neabh-an: hoodie crow (also vulgar, neabh, neobh = member [?], hence “a wee nyaff”).
Origin: [Strathglass]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
nead-na-starraig: crow’s nest. Ann an nead na starraig – in the crow’s nest of a mast in a sailing vessel, merchantman, merchant vessel.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
neasamh: an essential; neo-neasamh – non-essential.
Origin: [Strathglass]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
neo thuasaideach: said of an easy going person.
Location: North Uist, Iollathraigh [Illeray]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
neothadh: [nʹɔ̃həɡ] Quotation: a’ cur an crann gu neothadh. Notes: when the plough is adjusted to turn a narrower furrow.
Location: Ross-shire, Dornie, Morvich
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
neo’r-thaing: adv. ‘of course’: mucan ’s iseinean ’s -- ~ buntàta ’s ~ chuile sian a thigeadh aca air a thogail air an talamh; ~ nach robh gu leòr do dh’obair mu ’r coinneimh; ~ na[ch] ’s e
fiodh mòr, cruaidh
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
neo’r-thaing: advb: ~ nach: ‘of course’: ~ nach robh an duine math gu pàigheadh
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
neòil ghlas an fhoghair: Origin: [Barra]
Category: Sìde / Weather
nighean: Quotation: La Fheill Brìghde brisgeanach, thig an ceann do’n chaitinneach, buinnich an fhaochag air a’ bhàirneach, agus thig nighean Iomhair as an toll. Notes: nighean Iomhair: snake.
Origin: Islay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
nith gun riaghailt: applied in the sense of something that was rare, i.e. “Dh’ith mi nith gun riaghailt an diugh.” – referring to a rare treat such as ‘ceann cròpaig’. [NOTES: ‘nith’ corrected to ‘nì’.]
Location: South Uist, South Lochboisdale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
no cromadh a’ bhrochain: Bhiodh am brochan (chan è lite, ach brochan na feòla) aca a muigh aig buain na mòna. Dithis mu’n toirbhsgear bhiodh iad ag atharrachadh as déidh a’ h-uile biadh – na’m biodh tu a’ leagail, as déidh a’ bhidh dheadh tu a thilgeil. Bhiodh strì am measg nam bodach airson faighinn a thilgeil an toiseach airson faighinn a leagail as déidh a’ bhrochain. Bhiodh iad cho làn agus cho dùmhail as déidh a’ bhrochain agus gu robh e mòran na bu chomhfhurtail a bhith a’ leagail na a bhith a’ tilgeil.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
Nollaig: Quotation: “Nollaig air Di-ciadain, iargain air fir an domhain.”
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
nuair: Quotation: Nuair a dh’fhàsas am falt tana cha chòmhdaich e cùl a’ chinn agus clàr an aodainn.
Location: Lewis
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
nuaire: conj. ‘when’ : ~ nach [+ epenth.ə] bi againn mun cuairt an seo ach __
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
nuarant: [n̪ũɑ̃rɑn̪t̪] Note: awe-inspiring. “Nach e ’n cuan a tha nuarant an diugh.”
Origin: Swainbost
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
nuathallan: giving an account of something.
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Nì Math, an: n. ‘God’: ’ toir’ taing don ~
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Mira Co., Marion Bridge
Category: Word List
nòbair: a change in appearance. “A nòbair a thainig air an talamh sin.”
Location: North Uist, Sollas, Malagleit [Malaglate]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
obag (-an): said of a child displaying parents’ characteristics. “’S obagan d’athair agad.”
Location: North Uist, Sollas, Malagleit [Malaglate]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
obair iaruinn: B’e sin sia fichead slat a bhuain agus leud an rùsgaidh dà throigh airson poll dhà fhad, agus troigh gu leth airson poll thrì fàd. Mar “Moine an tigh-mhóir (an Luige [?]) fichead obair iaruinn.”
Origin: [Lewis, Uig]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
obair-chloinne: Quot.: “Tha i ann an obair-chloinne.” Note: in labour.
Origin: [Barvas]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
oban (-an): little glens on croft land.
Location: South Uist, Milton
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
obraich: vb. ‘work’: COND.: andòigh -- a dh’obraicheadh e an t-iarann
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
ocaid (f): occasion; air an ocaid sin. (from Eng.?)
Origin: [Strathglass]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
oglamhaidh: an awkward person. [NOTES: corrected to ‘òglamhaidh’.]
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
oidhche: Quotation: Dh’eirich agus dh’fhalbh i ann an corp na h-oidhche.
Origin: Applecross
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
oidhche: nn f. ‘night’ : bha an ~ aca, gen. beul na h-~
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
Oidhche Choinnle: the eve of a certain church feast day. I forget which. Duan: Oidhche choinnle, oidhche shonais, / Oidhch air am bi… / So an tigh ’s a bheil mo gnothuch / ’S chan eil romham dol ’n as fhaide. (Possibly you can find someone to fill in the blanks.)
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Oidhche Choinnle: New Year’s night. Oidhche Choinnle, oidhche shonais, oidhche air am bi … is … / So an tigh ’s a bheil mo gnothuch / ’S chan eil romham dol na’s fhaide. Duan, one of many which could be recited in order to gain admittance on New Year’s Eve.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
oighreachd (f): Quotation: oighreachd Amhuinnsuidhe (Harris). Notes: an estate.
Location: Harris, Ardhasaig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
oil eas [sic]: fuss, stir. “Ach an oil eas a bha thall an sud an diugh.” Not sure whether or not this is one word.
Location: North Uist, Knockintorran
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
oil-eas: fuss and commotion over an incident. [NOTES: note added in pencil: fuaim is litreachadh?]
Location: Barra, Northbay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
oilean: [elɑṉ] Quotation: “Nach ann air a tha an droch oilean.” Notes: bad-mannered.
Origin: Glenurquhart
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
oir-eilean: an island by the ‘edge’ (Scalpay), an island by the shore off Scalpay (edge).
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
oir-thir: [eɾəɾ] Quotation: “Tha fuaim mór air an [eɾɛɾ] [sic] a nochd.” “Tha droch [eɾəɾ] ann.” Notes: probably “the shore”. [NOTES: slipped under ‘eirthir’.]
Origin: Assynt, Stoer
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
oisean, oisnean: [ɔ̣ʃnʹənʹ] [?] Notes: an outside corner of a house.
Location: Ross of Mull
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Ola an Ungaidh Naoimh: Oil of the Sacrament of the Sick; Oleum Infirmorum.
Location: South Uist, Daliburgh
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
olc: Quotation: Mac an uilc! Chaneil ann dheth ach mac an uilc. Notes: The rascal!
Location: Lewis, Barvas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
onagarraid: ’S iongantach mur a h-e seo ‘onagaid’ a gheibh sibh anns na faclairean. Dwelly: onagaid – confusion, row, disturbance. M’Ghillfhinnein: onagaid – confusion, row. ’S ann ri ‘row’ agus ‘disturbance’ na’s motha a chleachdas sinne e. Mar aig na balaich anns an dealbh-chluiche: an dotar a’ cur na pìoba (stethoscope) ri broilleach an fhir eile: “O mo chreach mhór an onaghail tha dol air adhart ’n a do bhroinn.” (Am fuam ’san troimhe-cheile ’s an gluasad tha dol air adhart ’n a bhroinn.) ‘Onaghail’, ’se seo ‘onagarraid’ againne.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
onfhais: [[ɔ̃nɔ̃]hɑʃ] Quotation: Cha mhór nach do leig e ’bhean leis an onfhais a bh’air. Notes: agitated motion. Used above of a man praying in public.
Location: Applecross
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
orasda: another word I am not certain of; I heard [it] being spoken but I am not at the moment prepared to say what is its true definition, but I suggest (to me) it’s the place on which dung is placed when discharged from the byre or shed, or material put aside for convenience or some other reason. (It was pronounced with the [?] long accent?) As hear [sic] I note it to be oir aisde – air a chuir air an oir aisde. I am afraid the word is not used now with us.
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ord: Quotation: a tilgeil an ùird. Notes: throwing the hammer.
Origin: Islay, Ballygrant
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ord-bhàirneach: Bha an t-uidheam-sa [NOTES: ‘inneal’ written above ‘uidheam’] air a dheanamh aig a’ ghobha. Bha e airson a’ bhàirneach a chur bharr na carraige, agus dhèanadh e sin gu math sgiobalta. Bho a thaobh: [see illustration]. Dòigh eile bho a thaobh: [see illustration]. A coimhead air bhos a chionn: [see illustration].

Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Leabhar Deilbh / Drawing Book
Ord-maoraich: ’Se sgian bhùird a tha so air a deanamh goirid. Tha a’ chas aice air a suaineadh le luideig, is sin air a réileadh le dragh no le pios sreang lin bhig. Mar sin cha shleamhnuich i ’na do laimh ged a bhiodh an sgian is do làmh fliuch. s
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
Orduighean an Earraich ’s an Fhoghair: Orduighean an Earraich ’s an Fhoghair is ann aig coimhthional na h-Eaglais Shaoir Aonaichte a chaidh do an Aonadh an 1929 a tha iad.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
Orduighean an t-Samhraidh ’s a’ Gheamhraidh: Orduidhean an t-Samhraidh ’s a’ Gheamhraidh is ann aig na Moderats anns an Aonadh a tha iad.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
osan: Quot.: “osan an taireisgeir”. Note: the iron socket into which the wooden shaft fits.
Origin: Crowlista
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
osan: Is e stocainn air an ceann a ghearradh dhith a bha ann an osan. Is e a’ chuid a b’ ìsle de cheann na stocainne a bha air a thoirt dhith. Is ann air na boirionnaich a bhiodh na h-osanan. Cha chuireadh firionnach air iad uair sam bith – bheireadh e sealladh boirionn air. B’e aobhar nan osanan: do chasan a chumail blàth nuair a bhiodh tu cas-ruisgte.

Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Leabhar Deilbh / Drawing Book
osan an t-suic: where the sock fits on to plough.
Origin: Tiree
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
outhouse: nn ‘outhouse’ : bha roinn do rudan san ~ [ꞌøu h tus] aca; chaidh an ~ aca na teine
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
paileirìn: (Morvern) Dh’ith e iomadh rud nach inns [?] mi / Bh’air an ròpa aig Catrìona / Aodach anairt a bha prìseil / Dh’ith e trì dhiubh, is paileirìn.
Location: [various]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
pailt: adj. ‘plentiful’ : bha e latha agus bha e __ ~ an seo
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
paipear-latha: fill in form for weekly benefits, dated for one day, paipeirean an ‘dole’.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
pancake: nn ‘pancake’ : pl.: ‘s ~an [s paŋk̽́ek̽́ən]
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
paraiste: nn ‘parish’ : gen.: an taigh ~ aig an t-sagart
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
partan tuathalan: Tha iad so pailt far am bheil gainmheach bhàn no airgeadach (silvery). Brittle white crab. Tha gath ann a tha nimheil, is leanaidh an goirteas uine mhor. Tha mi a’ creidsinn gur e sin a dh’aobharaich an sean-fhacal – ’S fheàrr am partan tuathalan na bhith gun duine (Nicolson’s Proverbs). Tha na partain so pailt anns na geòdhaichean gainmhich deas air Ceann an Tiumpain.
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness, Lionel
Category: Maorach / Shellfish
partan-céire: Partan leis an uichair no spana (spawn) fo apran. Tha na h-uighean so gle mhath amh.
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness, Lionel
Category: Maorach / Shellfish
pasgadh an lìn: [NOTES: slipped under ‘pasgadh’ with ‘pasgadh an lìn’ as the quotation.]
Origin: An t-Eilean Sgitheanach [Skye; Skye, Glendale acc. to other questionnaires]
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
Pater-Noster: So seòrsa do dhòrgh a tha aca ann an Uig. Chan fhaca mise e ann an àite ach an Uig, is chan eil sian a dh’fhios agam ciamar a fhuair e an t-ainm.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
peallag (I): Rudeigin an ceart aghaidh oslaig [q.v.]. Duine beag, sunndach, ’s mar sin. Mar bu trice cha b’ann a’ claonadh gu taobh a bhith cur onair air a chanadh tu ‘peallag’. [SLIP: Positive term for a small, lively man.]
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Nàdur an Duine / Personality
peant: 1 nn ‘paint’ : dè ‘m ~ a b’fheàrr dhaibh a chur air an taigh
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
peant: 2 vb ‘paint’: vbl nn: bha iad a’ ~adh an taighe
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
pearsa eaglaise: nn : ‘clergyman’: gen.: an àite a’ phears’ eaglais’ againn
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
pearta: after carding this word could be applied to an amount of wool that had been carded. [NOTES: corrected to ‘peàrta’.]
Location: South Uist, South Glendale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
peasair: nn : bha p[easair [‘wild peas, rye’] __ bha i ‘ botherigeadh an duine seo uamhasach
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
peaslag (an n): [?] 8 [Ribbon Worms].
Location: Mull [see below for details]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
peathairean: young children. “Nach eil peathairean aice a nì an obair.”
Location: South Uist, Lochcarnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
peiceall: Cha chuala mi am facal a riamh ’s chan fhaca sgrìobhte e, a bharrachd. Ach chan eil càil a dh’fhios nach ann bho an t-soitheach peic (an tómhas) a thàinig e. Smaite gur h-e eathar air bheag cumaidh, no rudeigin ann an riochd eathair, a bh’aig a’ bhàrd leis an tug e a chasan as. Chan eil fhios againn mur a tionndaidh rudeigin an àirde a chuireas soilleireachadh air a’ chùis. Cho fada ’s a tha m’ eòlas-sa a’ dol bha an soitheach peic rudeigin mar seo ann an cumadh. Fiodh agus cearcaill. Clàir ann.
Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
peicill: ‘muiseal’ [q.v.] is attached to this on the plough’s body. Attached with an iron pin.
Location: North Uist, Iollaraigh [Illeray]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
peighinn: [peeʔinʹ] Quotation: Fhad s a bhios peighinn ’s a phoca cha chuir [?] an t-osdair cul riut.
Location: Ross of Mull
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
peighinn: an amount of land equivalent of four crofts.
Location: North Uist, Tigharry
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
peile, pl. peilichean: Peile-mór; Leth-pheile; Peile-caol; Peile beag; Cinn airson nam peileachan, nam biodh tu ’g an iarraidh:

Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Leabhar Deilbh / Drawing Book
peileastar: a game of marksmanship. A flat stone was put up in a prominent position, perhaps on a boulder. The competitors lined up at an agreed upon range, with so many stones apiece. Each in turn tried to hit the target, known as ‘geal’. This game usually took place on the shore where there was plenty of ammunition!
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig
Category: Cur-seachadan: Dèideagan, Geamaichean is Farpaisean / Recreation: Toys, Games, Contests
peinnde: an individual share of machair land where seaweed would be put ashore.
Location: South Uist, South Boisdale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
peit: [petʹ] Quot.: “Peit an Aona-cheum”. Note: local place-name. DJMK considers this to be a shallow place or ford.
Location: [Lewis], South Lochs, Caversta
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
peithir: Quotation: ’S ann a tha e coltach ri àite as an tigeadh peithir. Notes: thunderbolt. (Hole in the ground.)
Location: Skye, Broadford
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
peusa an todhair: Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
peàrd (I): Tuft of wool off the cards in the first carding; the first card in carding; the long roll of wool as it leaves the cards for the spinning wheel. Chan eil ainm sam bith agam ach ‘peàrd’ airson na tha an seo shuas.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Obair na Clòimhe / Wool-Working
peàrdan: [pjɑ:ʴḏaṉ] Note: the rolls of wool coming off the cards. (Sing. peàrd.) [NOTES: the turned r used for the symbol which is unclear in the original.]
Origin: Ness
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
phlait: flat. Cha [sic] e ’na phlait air an làr.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
phlian: fell flat. Colloquial on Scalpay. Thuit e ’na phlian air an làr. (Scalpay) [NOTES: slipped under ‘plian’. Definition: Of falling flat.]
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
phrac: rubbish. “An seorsa phrac sin.”
Location: North Uist, Iollaraigh [Illeray]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
piathlain cachda: would be said of an annoying pet or person always clinging onto you.
Location: North Uist, Grimsay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Piceil ur: Bha piceil ur ga dheanamh anns an tuba rousaigeadh le salainn a dh’aon ghnothaich air son so. Thuirt aon seann chutair rium gur e ‘Salainn Dorabhaigeadh’ a bhiodh acasan air an t-salainn so. Bha toll ga dheanamh le torra anns gach baraille a bhiodh air a threas lionadh agus a’ chuid bu mhotha den phiceil air a leigeil as. Bha an uair sin am piceil ùr a bha air a dheanamh anns an tuba rousaigeadh ga chur troimh thonnadair air an sgadan agus spìc fiodha ga chur a dhùnadh an tuill anns gach baraille. Nuair a rachach am piceil ùr a chur do gach baraille bha iad air an roiligeadh leis a’ phutair gu an aite suidhe, agus air an cur ’na seasamh air an ceann dìreach ‘bottom-tier’ an àrda, agus air am fàgail an sin gus an tigeadh ceannaiche a thoirt sùil orra. Nuair a thigeadh esan bha an ceann ga thoirt a baraille is chitheadh e gu de seorsa sgadan a bha ann. Dh’itheadh am Pole, an Gearmailteach is an Ruiseanach fear amh dhuibh [sic] gus an dearbhadh. Bhiodh cuid de na ceannaichean aig am biodh spìc fhada iaruinn a bhrodadh iad sios tre mheadhon an sgadain gu màs a’ bharaille gus deanamh cinnteach nach do chuir am pacair bad corc no sean chòta oiliscin na theis meadhon gus am baraille a lionadh le cabhaig oir gur ann anns a’ bharaille a bha iad pàidhte.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
pilleag: Quot.: “pilleag aodaich”. Note: an article of clothing, a garment.
Origin: [Lewis], Arnol
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
pillein (or -an): [pilʹɛ̃nʹ] Notes: a small mat which went under the cart saddle (srathair Ghaidhealach).
Location: South Uist, Eochdar, Balgarva
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
piob: [sic] an anail [pʹi̜i̜’b ən a̱na̱lʹ] Notes: bracchia [sic] [bronchi?].
Location: Ross of Mull
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
pioc: nn ‘scrap’ : ghlan e chuile ~ fiodh [fi̯u] a bha sìos an sin;
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
pionnd: mint. (Cha robh fios aige an e ainmear f. no b. a tha seo.) Disease: ceann goirt. Part used: every part, dried. How prepared: mint-tea. Sources of information: parents and people around.
Origin: [Barra]
Category: Blàthan-Leighis / Medicinal Plants
pionnd: mint. Disease: ruadh (rud sam bith a tha ceàrr air an stamaig). How prepared: tè.
Origin: [Barra]
Category: Blàthan-Leighis / Medicinal Plants
pionnt: mint. The plant leaves in a cupboard was [sic] used to keep away mice. An old time thinking person’s invention.
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
piorstaich: [pȷw:ʴsṯiç] Quot.: piorstaich an teine. Note: stocking the fire to make it burn again. Reviving. [NOTES: the turned r used for the symbol which is unclear in the original.]
Origin: Carloway, Doune
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
pitchers: A’ cheud ghèim a tha cuimhne agam-sa riamh fhaicinn ’se ‘pitchers’. (’Se seo a th’aig na balaich mhóra air.) Is ann le leacan [?] freagarrach a bhiodh iad ag obair air. Roimhe ’n seo aig an fheadhainn a th’ann romhainn bha na peileastairean (‘Peilistearan’ aig Dwelly.) Bha an gèim-sa faisg air an aon seòrsa ri na pitcher-an aig na balaich. Mur a h-e an aona ghèim a th’ann! ’Se gèim de’n t-seòrsa-sa a’ cheud ghèim a tha lorg air a bhith anns na h-Eileanan Breatunnach.
Origin: Leodhas [Lewis], Uig
Category: Cur-seachadan: Dèideagan, Geamaichean is Farpaisean / Recreation: Toys, Games, Contests
piullag: Quotation: Bha an aodach aige na phiullagan. Notes: rag.
Location: Lewis, Barvas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
plaide: n. ‘plaid; blanket’: agus ’ rud a bha ’ dol suas anns -- a’ ph. Bha iad a’ cur cotan an sin
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
plamaranda: a haymaking term meaning that the hay is in between being wet and dry, but not dry enough to be made into ricks. “O chan eil e ach plamaranda gu leòr an diugh fhathast.”
Location: North Uist, Sollas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
plaosg: Quotation: a’ plaosgadh ubh. Notes: shelling an egg.
Location: Skye, Breakish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
pleadhan: gu dèanamh nan toll anns an cuirte am buntàta.
Origin: [Barra]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
pleòtag (-an): snowflake(s).
Origin: [Note: From North Uist, information from Alex O’Henley / RÓM 4 Dec 2023]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
pliacaid: Quotation: Bha e a laighe ’na phliacaid air an talamh. Notes: lying in an untidy heap – used of a person.
Location: Lewis, Barvas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
pliuchcan: the pronged (flukes) parts of an anchor which grip in the sand. [NOTES: note added above ‘pliuchcan’ – (pl.).]
Location: Eriskay, Na Hann [Haun]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
pliudhain: the flutes on an anchor.
Location: North Uist, Grimsay, Ceannaraigh
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
pliusgan: the flukes of an anchor. [NOTES: corrected to ‘pliùsgan’.]
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
pliut (-an): flipper.
Origin: Baleshare
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
pliutach: Notes: ham-handed, having an awkward hand. Tha e pliutach as na casan: he stands on the insides of the feet.
Origin: Tiree
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
pliuthag: a slight slap of the hand to prevent a child from mischief, for rebuke, correction. Thug mi pliuthag dha mu chùl an dùirn.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ploc: nn ‘sod’ : ‘ tilgeil am ~ [= ~ treabhadh] an dala taobh
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
ploidhag(an): 66b [Elver].
Location: Mull [see below for details]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
pluban: [pɫu̜bɑṉ] Quotation: “An robh e ciuin a muigh?” “Cha robh, bha pluban beag oirre.” Notes: presence of slight choppiness.
Location: Skye, Kilmuir
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
plìuchcan: flukes on an anchor.
Location: South Uist, Iochdar, Baile Gharbhaidh [Balgarva]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
poc an tairbh: the testicles.
Origin: Leodhas [Lewis], Uig
Category: Crodh / Cattle
poc-an-t-sàill: [pɔkən̪d̪ɑ:lʹ] Notes: spider.
Location: Sutherland, Embo
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
poca: Is ann le poca a thòisich mise an toiseach air toirt na mòna dhachaidh, tarruing na mònach mar a chanadh sinn. As déidh a’ phoca bha thu tighinn chun a’ chléibh. Tha cuimhne agam air bachlaibh (ba-chliabh) fhaicinn. (Rugadh mi an 1911.)
Origin: [Lewis, Uig]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
poca buidhe: maodal an fhèidh.
Location: Harris, Ardvey
Category: Biadh is Deoch / Food and Drink
poca-seic: Notes: (Callanish) (seic – a semi-rigid bag, made of siaman, used for barley.) Used to describe the riding of children on an adult’s shoulder, one leg on each shoulder and round the adult’s neck. Smith A (Bragar) used for this ‘raoid (i.e. ride) a’ bhreacain uasail’. Dwelly has seic (with a Lewis definition) and poca-saic ‘a large sack thrown across a horse’s back, and large enough to contain a load’.
Location: Lewis
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
poc’-an-linn: bag of the net, or cod-end of the net.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
poidhl': nn 'a lot': ~ airgid; ~ dhiubh; bha ~ dhan obair ga dèanamh by hand; bha ~ ann a dhèanadh òran an uair sin; well, bha sin a’ meanigeadh ~ dhaibh
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
poit: Quotation: Cha tig as a’ phoit ach an toit a th’ innte.
Location: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
poitean: marks on the skin, swellings. Thàinig an t-aodann aige a mach ’na phoitean gorma.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
polag (f), polagan (pl): potato pit. About 3' deep, 3' wide, up to 20' in length, 2' high (above ground level). Potatoes covered with layer of hay. Then covered with “ùir”. Then covered over by “sgrothan”, which had been cut with a “lair-cheab”. Better if potatoes were allowed to breathe as they sweat – toll beag no dhà mura biodh reothadh ann. Ma bha coltas reothadh ann, dh’fheumadh tu an dùnadh.
Origin: Tiree
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
poll: an t-slochd sa bheil a mhòine ga cladhach. (Eng. peat bank.)
Origin: [Taransay]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
poll (E): Tha trì dhiubh seo againn fhìn ann an Crabhlastadh. A chuid as fhasgaiche ann am bàgh ’s mar sin a bh’unnda.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Cruth na Tìre / Landscape Features
poll ùr: Ri fosgladh poll ùr anns a’ bhlàr (1) Feumaidh e bhith cóig slat dheug bho pholl fir eile. (2) Mas e aon fhàd a thig as a’ pholl ùr chan fhaod barrachd air da throigh a leud a bhith ann gus an tig aig caora a leum. (3) Ma thig da fhàd as feumaidh tri troighean de leud a bhith ann air a char as lugha gus a faigh caora air tionndadh ’na bhroinn, agus feumaidh earball a’ phuill a bhith air a dheanamh air dhòigh is gun coisich caora a mach as.
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
poll-monadh: an t-slochd sa bheil a mhòine ga cladhach. (Eng. peat bank.)
Origin: [Taransay]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
polla: [poɫə] Quot.: “Bha mi aig an tigh polla.” Note: a spell.
Origin: Crowlista
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
pollag (I): Againne mar anns a’ cheud chiall aig Dwelly “Little pool, hole, pit or pond”. Agus a’ cheud chiall aig MacGhillfhinnein “A little pit”. Na ciallan eile chan eil iad againn idir. Dìreach againne, na sluic, na bruthaichean briste dubha, na lòin ’s na tuill, ’s na riasan [?] ’s an còrr am measg a chèile gu h-àraidh an t-iomlan beag agus briste, sin na pollagan. “Anns na pollagan”, “Am measg nam pollagan.”
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Cruth na Tìre / Landscape Features
port: Quot.: “port an daruis”. Note: when boys would start to get noisy in a céilidh house one might say “’S e port an daruis a th’agaibh a nis!” indicating they would have to leave.
Origin: [Lewis], Arnol
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
port (E): Far am bithear a fàgail ’s ag acrachadh nan eathraichean. Agus ’g an tarruing.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Cruth na Tìre / Landscape Features
port-an-aillean: [pɔʴsṯəṉˈɑlʹɑṉ] Note: also used (as well as gìbean (pl.) [q.v.]) for hollow under the ear. Could hurt a person badly by pressing fingers and thumb into both. [NOTES: the turned r used for the symbol which is unclear in the original.]
Origin: [Lewis], Arnol
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
portan-tuathalan: (Tha seo air a fhuaimneachadh againn: porsdan n huathallan. Cha chan sinn idir glan geàrrte: portan tuathallan.) (Tuigibh sibh fhéin, agus cha bhith sibh fada uime, mu an nì àrraid a tha ’n a leithid seo.)
Origin: Lewis, Uig an Iar
Category: Maorach / Shellfish
pot-tì: nn f. ‘teapot’ : bhiodh ~ aige fhèin a’ falbh na chois, air uachdar na ~ aig an fhear eile [FMM]
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
poul butata: pit – it was constructed by digging an oblong area about two yards long and 6" deep and two to three ft wide. Potatoes built up to a sharp point and covered with turf “scranan” – the heather side to the potatoes – and then covered by about 12" soil. About 3' high. In some sandy ground a round circular pit was dug about 5' deep and 3' dia. Took about 10 creels of potatoes. (Stoer, Assynt)
Origin: Assynt, Stoer
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
prais-dhath: Prais mhór, mhór. 21 galan an tè bu mhotha a chunna mi a riamh.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Obair na Clòimhe / Wool-Working
prasach: far am bheil am fodar air a chur anns a bhuaigheal air beulthaobh an spreidh.
Origin: [Arran]
Category: Crodh / Cattle
preasa nan luch: an inferior type of grass considered to be of poor weatherproof quality. Therefore it was always put at the bottom of a haystack and never at its top.
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
preasadh: Quot.: “Preasadh an cùl na h-amhach aige.” Note: skin having become furrowed.
Origin: Carloway, Doune
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
preaslaich: [pɾɛsɫiç] Quot.: Tha preaslaich as an amhaich aige. Note: furrowed, wrinkled skin on neck.
Origin: [Lewis], Arnol
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
preaslaich: [pɾɛsɫiç] Quot.: “A’ bheil preaslaich ann an cùl na h-amhach agam?” Note: furrows, wrinkles.
Origin: [Barvas]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
priosgadh: Quotation: Ma bheir thu priosgadh air na calmain. Notes: an act of startling. Var. of briosgadh. Source: Rev. D. MacRae, Tarbert (Uig, Lewis). Date: 1979.
Location: [see below]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
profaid: n. ‘profit’: an fheadhain a bha thusa ’ call, sin a’ ph. agad
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
pràbladh: Quot.: “An urrainn dhuit a’ Ghàidhlig a leughadh?” “Ni mi pràbladh math oirre co-dhiùbh.” Note: a fairly good attempt.
Origin: Caversta
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
pràisde: sea bent rope tied round the thatched house at horizontal intervals. “Thig còmhla rium a chuir pràisd(e) air an taigh.”
Location: North Uist, Grèinatobht [Grenitote]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
pràiseach: Notes: an uncouth person.
Origin: Skye
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
préileadh: [pɾe:ləɣ] Quot.: “Tha thu a’ préileadh an diugh.” Note: used of mending clothes.
Origin: Uig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
pròbadh: putting a thing roughly together, say, mending boots in an unskilful fashion or way.
Location: [Harris], Scalpaigh [Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
pugall: An indefinite measure (of seed).
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
puighs: a glimpse. “Chaidh mi a null a thaigh Iain ach cha robh puighs ann.” Further to previous definition this can also be applied to an immature person who has not yet seen the light. “Cha’n eil puighs aig an duine sin.” [NOTES: note added above ‘puighs’ – paidhs’.]
Location: South Uist, Bornish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
puilbheadh: [pu̟lu̟vəɣ] Quot.: “Bha ’m bùirn a’ puilbheadh suas as an fhuaran.” Note: coming bubbling up.
Origin: [Barvas]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
puilm-shruth: Quot.: “puilm-shruth anns an allt”. Note: when the water goes so fast that it bubbles over the stones.
Origin: Ness
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
puinnseant: [p[ɔ̃ĩ]ʃɑn̪t̪] Quot.: “Tha tide phuinnseant ann.” “Tha i puinnseant an diugh.” Note: very wet and very cold.
Origin: [Barvas]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
puinnseanta: adj ‘poisonous’. : an gas ~ [p h ɔ̃ĩ style='font-size:7.0pt; . ʃantə] seo
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
puinnsinnich: vb ‘poison’ : vbl nn: bha e ‘ puinnsinneachadh an duine sin [‘would poison’]
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
puinnteag (-an): docken leaves.
Location: North Uist, Blàsheabhal [Blashaval]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
pulp: Notes: (an t-àite-teine) damper.
Location: Skye, Portree
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
pumalair: bully, awkward person, of a rude disposition and over the average stature. Nach ann an sud a tha pumalair.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
punnd: [pɤ̃ũd̪] Note: an enclosure for impounding horses. Had to have a stream running through it. Owner responsible for feeding the animal. Also: a’ punndadh.
Origin: [Lewis], Arnol
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
puntàta reamhar: a big raw potato was obtained and the top cut off. This was set aside. The inside of the potato was scooped out and the bits of meat (salt.) substituted. The ‘lid’ or top of the potato was then fixed on by means of a wooden skewer. The ‘stuffed’ potato was baked in an open fire.
Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
pusg an ghiomach: Crushed lobster shells – used as fertiliser. [NOTES: ‘pusg a’ ghiomaich’ on the slip.]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
puta: Bha puta air a dhèanamh de chraicionn caorach. Bha ceann a’ phuta air a dheanamh de phìos fiodha – fiodh math, fallain. Is ann leis an tàil a bha e air a shnaidheadh agus air a thoirt gu fìor-chumadh. Bha toll air a dheanamh ann airson am puta a ghaothadh agus is e bìdeag de shreing – òrd beag dhi – a bhatar a’ cur san toll. Is e an ‘calcas’ a chanaidh iad ris a’ bhìdeig-sa. Nuair a bha thu a’ gaothadh a’ phuta, bha thu a séideadh agus a’ cur do theangaidh ’s an toll; a séideadh a rithist agus a’ deanamh an nì cheadna; mar sin gu am bitheadh am puta làn gaoithe agus teann. Air an t-séideadh mu dheireadh bha thu a’ cur a’ chalcais ’san toll agus ’g a dheanamh cinnteach. ‘Put’ – seo mar a chanas sinne e.

Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Leabhar Deilbh / Drawing Book
putaichean: floats, made of sheep skin an [and?] tar.
Origin: Taransay
Category: Iasgach a’ Ghiomaich / Lobster-Fishing
putair: for putting down potatoes when soil is already turned and ploughed. An ordinary wooden shaft with one end somewhat pointed to make the holes more easier [sic].
Origin: Ross and Cromarty, Lewis
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
putan-croinn: (button on the top of a mast) anns na soithichean móra, air mullach a chrionn, putan air mullach crann gu bhi cumail an uisg ás.
Location: Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
pàigh: vb ‘pay’ : past: an do ph. sibh daor sin air a’ char sin a-nise?; vbl nn: sibh fhèin an duine a phàighea’ [= -eadh]; sibh fhèin a dh'fheumadh [ɣeməɣ] an duine a phàigheadh
[fa:-i]
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
pàirc: [pɑ:ɾiçc] [sic] Notes: a field; can be used of an open field.
Location: Coll, Ben Meadhonach
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
pàll-màll: pell-mell. Thuit e ’na mhàll [sic] [phàll?] màll leis an leathad.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
pàmadh: Quot.: “pàmadh an drama”. Note: where the keel and sternpost [or stempost? not clear] are jointed together.
Location: Harris, Grosebay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Pàp: Quotation: An Eaglais Phàp.
Origin: Loch Rannoch
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
pàstarachadh: vbl nn : agus bidh e gam ~ sa bhaile ‘ chì sibh ann an seo
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
pìos: Quotation: pìos an t-aon. Notes: a bit each.
Origin: Port Wemyss
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
píob uisge taobh mach an doruis: Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
pòs: Quotation: Pòs an Éirinn, agus siubhail an Ìle. Notes: “Alba” usually instead of “Ìle”. Local version.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
pòsda: Quotation: an t-òganach pòsda. Notes: the best man.
Origin: North Uist
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
pùnntadh: kept in an enclosure. I have heard an old lady referring to her hens: Iad air a punntadh ann a shid (enclosure) ’s nach iad a mach – at seed-planting time. [NOTES: slipped under ‘pùnndadh’.] [SLIP: Kept in an enclosure.]
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
rabhaill: extremity of an island. Rabhail a deas, rabhaill a tuath.
Origin: [Note: From North Uist, information from Alex O’Henley / RÓM 4 Dec 2023]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
racaid: term used in describing an old boat. (Harris)
Location: [Harris], Scalpaigh [Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
racaid: Note: Far am bi racaid, bitheadh amaideas, an-dòigh is buaireadh.
Origin: Swainbost
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
rach: Quotation: A bheil esan a’ dol gu Beasa an drasda.
Location: Harris, Ardhasaig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ragaich: Quotation: Bha mi gus mo ragadh leis an fhuachd. Notes: stiffen.
Location: Lewis, Barvas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ragan (Rag-an): Location: [Harris], Leverburgh
Category: Togail Bhàtaichean / Boat-Building
raingis: [rɑ̃ĩɡʹiʃ] Note: a fish, resembling an oopah [opah?], caught inshore. P. Chisholm, Gravir, says it has a red spot on its shoulder. In Barvas – “Cho ruighinn ri craicionn raingis.”
Origin: [Caversta]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
rall: Quotation: Bha an t-àite na rall. Notes: the place was in an absolute mess.
Location: Lewis, Barvas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ramachdair: Note: a’ toirt ramachdadh air a chlann-nighean. Gaothan blobhdach an-fhoiseil.
Origin: Swainbost
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ramailear (E): Boirionnach a bhiodh a’ leum ’s a falbh bho àite gu àite gun mhóran stamhnaidh bho thigeadh rud sam bith ’n a ceann. “A ramaileireach an siod ’s an seo.” “Ramailear eagalach a th’innte.” [SLIP: An impetuous woman who would be up and off when it came into her head.]
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Nàdur an Duine / Personality
ramalaig: Quotation: Nach ann a siud a bha an ramalaig. Notes: of a person who sings a song badly, not even knowing the words.
Location: Cape Breton
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ramh an fhuaraidh: the oar on the windward side of boat.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
rangan: asnaichean an eathair.
Location: Na Hearadh, Gòbhaig [Harris, Gobhaig]
Category: Eathraichean / Boats
rangas: piosan air a bheil na tobhtaichean a sineadh, bòrd air fad an eathair.
Location: [Harris], Leverburgh
Category: Togail Bhàtaichean / Boat-Building
raoidhse: race. Raoidhs aice ’dol seachad air an uinneig.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
rasall mór: [rɑ̟·səɫ] Quotation: ‘Tha sin an rasall each.’
Location: Mull
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
rasga: [rɑsɡə] Note: an eyelash.
Location: Harris, Quidinish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ratan: in a tizzy. “Nach ann an a tha ratan.” Must be a French connection here.
Location: North Uist, Grimsay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
rathad: Quotation: Cha ghleidh an rathad e. Notes: “The road will not hold him.” Said of drunk man.
Location: Tiree, [Caolas? – one slip]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
rathad: Notes: An rathad-mór – the highway, the main road. Ceum-cois – a footpath. Frith-rathad – a built bye-road of uncertain width. Rathad-cairteach – a road on which a cart can go. Rathad-beag – a joint road, or branch road (although actually as broad as the main road).
Origin: West Lewis [the location given on the slips]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
reabhladh: “Reabhladh de an mhuir air an tràigh.” – Na h-uibhir de an mhuir air an tràigh. Is ann nuair a bhiodh am muir a’ dol a mach bu trice a chleachdadh sinn ‘reabhladh’. Ach ’s iongantach mur a biodh e ceart gu leòir a mach no a steach.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
reabsach: untidy, as an untidy beard.
Location: South Uist, Bornish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
reidhbheirteach: said of an unruffled, placid person.
Location: North Uist, Iollathraigh [Illeray]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Reileadh: Tha beul a’ phuta air a reileadh gu daingean gan an tearr so le sreang làidir is air a glasadh le snaimh an iasgair bho iochdair an réilidh.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
reithe, bliadhnach reithe: Tha seo againn. Ach chan eil ‘aona bhliadhnach reithe’. No ‘tiaraineach’, ‘tiarainneach [sic] rùid’. Ach tha ‘tiaraineach’ aca ann an Càrlabhagh, mur a h-eil anns na h-àiteachan eile sìos an shòs sin. Tiaraineach rùid. Chan eil ‘tiaraineach’ againne ach air creutar boirionn.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
reitheachd: “Tha an reitheachd oirre.” (air a’ chaoraich) “Reithich an rùd i.” “Thug e leum-reitheachd dhi.”
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
reithp: a tide mark left round the mouth after eating, e.g. Tha reithp air gu dha chluais an deidh a bhi ag ithe na feòla.
Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
reluctantly: Gu h-aindeonach, an aghaidh toile, gu neo thoileach.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
reoidhtean: an ice cream.
Location: North Uist, Lochmaddy, Crombagh
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
reothadh: Quotation: reothadh an lodain làin. Notes: a thing that doesn’t last. Pool full of water, small crust of ice.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
reothadh an lodain-làir: (gu math tana)
Origin: [Barra]
Category: Sìde / Weather
reub: Quotation: Tha an dorus fosgailte reub a’ chraois. Notes: wide open (‘eu’ as in ‘beul’).
Location: Harris, Ardhasaig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
reòtach: herring scales on the sides and deck of a boat (giving an impression of reodhadh). Fhuair iad sgadan – tha reòtach oirre.
Origin: [Kintyre, Tarbert]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ri: prep. ‘to; at;: bhiodh esan ~ uinneagan, dhèanadh e uinneag; cha bhiodh fhios agam-as fo Dhia na Glòrach dè an dòigh a rachainn ris; tha sin ri dhèanamh aige fhathast
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
ri: prep.[‘engaged in; acquiring’]: tha iad ~ fortan an-diugh ‘s gun iad a’ dèanamh na h-obrach; cha do dh’fhalbh duine ri acras riamh; 3f.: well, an ath election ' bhios mise rithe
[train]; agus bha tè eile rithe, fhios agaibh, dìreach; 3pl.:cha robh sian a’ tighinn riutha;
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
ri mir an uisge: in the height of the rain.
Location: South Uist, Bornish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ri mir an uisge: at the height of the rain.
Location: South Uist, Bornish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
riaba-steallag (bheag): swing made with rope thrown over an overhead beam. (Usually in the barn.)
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig
Category: Cur-seachadan: Dèideagan, Geamaichean is Farpaisean / Recreation: Toys, Games, Contests
riabaisteallag (I): Dìreach mar a chì sibh aca anns na pàircean. Ach againne air àrd-dhorus freagarrach no air spàrr. Agus uaireannan air an t-slabhraidh os cionn an teine anns na seann tighean. Airson riabaisteallag air an t-slabhraidh, gheibheadh sinn ar creach.
Origin: Leodhas [Lewis], Uig
Category: Cur-seachadan: Dèideagan, Geamaichean is Farpaisean / Recreation: Toys, Games, Contests
riaghladh: Quot.: “a’ riaghladh a’ bhùird leis an uisge-bheath”. Note: serving drink at a wedding.
Origin: [Lewis], Arnol
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
riamh: adv. [rĩɑ̃] ‘ever’: tha chuile baile ~ an seo ag obair
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
riamhal: an untidy person.
Location: Harris, Sgarastamhor
Category: Nàdur an Duine / Personality
rian: Quotation: Cha ghabhadh e rian, ’S cha ghabhadh e sion, ’S ’nuair chunnaic iad sin, ’Spion iad anam as. Notes: advice. Supposed to have been said by a tinker in regard to an unruly member of the tribe. Rian – way, means. Chan eil rian agam air a sin a dheanamh.
Origin: West Lewis [the location given on the slips]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
riarachdainn: Quotation: an riarachdainn. Notes: biscuits, cheese and whisky given to those who attended a funeral.
Origin: Glenurquhart
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
rias (I): Cladhan bog, fliuch anns an t-sliabh. (Rias – fuaimnich mar ciās.)
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Cruth na Tìre / Landscape Features
riasaire: Quotation: “A-mach á seo thu, a riasaire an diabhail.” Notes: Domhnall Liath, Keose, to Dùghall, brother of Rev. Donald MacCallum, whom he was helping aboard a smack in Loch Erisort. Dùghall had hurt his leg, and had to be slung aboard in a sling. Riasaire < rias, cf. riasach ‘dirty’ (especially about the face). None of these forms in Dw.
Location: Lewis
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
riasbail: [riɤsbɑl] Quotation: Tha mi uamhasach riasbail. Notes: I’m in an awful guddle.
Location: Skye, Harlosh
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
riasg: an talamh righinn a dh’fheumar a thogail.
Origin: Camaschros an sgìre Shléite san Eilean Sgitheanach [Skye, Camus Chroise]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
riasg: (Bu chòir dhomh seo a bhith air a chur as déidh blàr mòna. An stuth de am bheil a’ mhòine dèanta. ’Se mòine a chanas a’ chuid mhór, tha mi ’n dùil, ris an riasg againne. Tha sinne a’ cur eadar-dhealachadh mór eadar riasg agus mòine. Mòine dhuinne, ’se sin mòine [riasg?] air a gearradh ’s air a deanamh ’na mòine.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
riaslaiche (Plural -an): a person in difficulties. 2. a humdrum of a person.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
rifeid: n. ‘rivet’: an uair ud ’s e -- ~ean ’s bha duine ann an sin ’s e gan dèanamh dearg
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
rige: tha seo againn. Ach cho fada ’s a lorg agam-sa ’s ann airson ‘partly castrated male’ a tha ‘rige’ againn. Againne air fhuaimneachadh mar a chanadh Leòdhasach no a leithid sin, ‘rig’ ann an ‘rig-out’, rig + e, rige.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
righestair: [sic] [ˈrĩəst̪ɑð] Note: fear a bhios dha shìneadh fhéin le snòtaireachd air eagal gun teid cail ann an-fhios dha.
Origin: Swainbost
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
riochadh: Deanamh liona, doimhne na spaide, an ruith leud a’ chargur bho cheann gu earball a’ phuill, is bidh am poll na’s fhasa a rùsgadh.
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
riochdachadh an tobair: at Easter different flowers placed round the well for the purpose of keeping evil spirits at bay.
Location: North Uist, Grimsay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
riof: reef. Riof air an t-seòl. [SLIP: ‘Reef on a sail’.]
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
riomhanach: someone doing a job in fits and starts. “Dè an riomhanaich obair a tha ort.”
Location: South Uist, Peninerine
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
rionnach a’ bhuirn: “Mackerel” in the sky agus an t-uisge gu bhith as a dheidh, chanadh na bodaich.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
rionnag: Quot.: rionnag an earbaill. Note: shooting star.
Location: Lewis, Uig, Crowlista
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
rionnag an earbaill: Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
riopair: a towel consisting of an old sack. If you had been eating a meal such as herring you would clean your hands in this so as not to leave its smell on a cleaner towel.
Location: North Uist, Iollathraigh [Illeray]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ris: Notes: Thubhairt mise ris. – to him. Leig e ris dha. – he revealed to him. Tha e ris an deoch. – addicted to drink. Co bha ris? – Who was at him? (injuring him, words or blows) Tha an talamh ris. – seen (in time of snow). Leig e e féin ris. – he unclothed himself (e.g. when going to swim). Chan eil math a bhi ris. – There is no use arguing with him. Bha dùil aige ris. – he was expecting it. Bha càirdeas aige ris. – he was related to him. Bha e ag radh rithe. – he was saying to her. Feuchaidh e ris. – he will attempt to do it. Chuir e ’n t-aodach ris an teine. – at the fire. ’S math a chaidh e ris. – he dealt with him in a becoming manner! Cha bhi gnothuich agam ris. – I will take nothing to do with it.
Origin: West Lewis [the location given on the slips]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ris an fhaochaig: Origin: [Skye, Camus Chroise]
Category: Maorach / Shellfish
ro: prep. : ‘before’: 2sg.: cùm romhad! cùm romhad! chùm e roimhe leis an tàilleir
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
robaidh an t-sneachd: [rɔbiən̪t̪ɾɑ̃xk] Notes: robin redbreast.
Origin: Sutherland, Embo
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
rocag: an ounce of sense. “Chan eil rocag aig an duin’ ud.”
Location: South Uist, Milton
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
rochd: Notes: an off-shore fishing bank.
Location: Tiree, [Caolas? – one slip]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
rodaigeadh: (‘d’ cruaidh) Poll air a rodaigeadh = comharran air a dheanamh anns an lèana airson sealltainn do dhuine sam bith gu robh thu dol a ghearradh poll ’s a’ bhad sin.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
rodail: Quotation: Seall a’ rodail a th’air an duine sin, nach e tha dìchiallach. Notes: applied to a person who works extra hard to provide well for his family.
Origin: Applecross
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
roidhneas: Pl. -an. Reins. Also roighneas.
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
roill: phlegm slithers. An easgann a’ gluasad, a’ fagail roill as a deighidh [sic]. [SLIP: Slime.]
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris,Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Roinn: Nuair a thig an dubhan mu dheireadh a steach air bòrd tha iad a’ deanamh air a’ chladach. Nuair a ruigeas iad, tha an t-iasg ga thoirt aisde agus air a roinn ’na earrannan cothromach air a’ mhol, is fear a’ dol air a shùilean gus eubhachd a mach co gheibh iad. Bidh earrain air leth ann airson an eathair.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
roinn an eisg: dividing the fish. One turns his back (falbh do’n chùil) while another points to each share saying each time “Whose is that?” (Co aige bi sud?).
Origin: Barra
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
Roinn a’ chosnaidh: Tha an ‘Gross’ – sin na choisneas am bàta fada an t-séasoin anns a’ bhanca. Aig deireadh an t-séasoin tha an toiseach cosgais a’ bhàta ga phàidheadh – am biadh a dh’ith iad, an gual no an ola, tuarasdal nan daoine dubha – so an draibhear (engineer), a ‘fireman’ is an còcaire, is bhiodh beagan ga thoirt mar thiodhlac don sgiobair. Bha sin a’ fagail an ‘Net’.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
roinneach an uisge: mackerel sky.
Origin: Harris, Horgabost or Harris, Kyles Stockinish
Category: Sìde / Weather
roinneach an uisge: Origin: Harris, Horgabost or Harris, Kyles Stockinish
Category: Sìde / Weather
roinneadh: Facal eile air a fhuaimneachadh mar ‘toinneadh’ [q.v], ’se sin ‘roinneadh’. “Chaidh a’ ghaoth suas fo an tughadh air an tigh aig Calum agus thòisich i a’ roinneadh an tughaidh an àirde.” “Chaidh siorc do na lìn-sgadanach air na balaich an raoir. Fhuair iad seoba garbh rithe mu’n d’fhuair iad as i. Bha i air i-fhéin a roinneadh anns na lìn.”
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
roinneag-an-earbaill: [rũ̜n̪ɑɡənʹu̜ru̜bilʹ] Notes: a “comet”.
Origin: Strontian
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
rois: Quotation: [ərɔʃəɣ] an t-sìl. Notes: threshing.
Origin: North Uist
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
roisean: nose. Na faiceam do roisean a nochdadh a stigh air an t-dorus. [Cf. rùisean.]
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
roladh (an fheòir): an deidh a thaghadh [q.v.] agus a chrathadh, le ràcan.
Origin: [Barra]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
rolag: n. bha i ri ~an air a dhèanamh oirre, mar gum biodh i air a rolladh
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Mira Co., Marion Bridge
Category: Word List
romair: motor-cycle (N. Ins.); said to be an abbrev. of rothar-motar.
Origin: [Strathglass]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
rong: groan, life [?] càil ach gu bheil an rong ann.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
rong: life. Càil ach gu bheil an rong ann – am beò. [SLIP: = am beò. ‘Life’.]
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
rong (m): Quotation: Chan eil air [duine] ach gu bheil an rong ann. Notes: spark of life?
Location: Harris, Ardhasaig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ronng (‘ow’ sound): Means a deterioration or worsening in condition. “Ciamar a tha a bhò agad an diugh?” “O chan eil i ach a ’s fhior dhol an ronng.”
Location: South Uist, Lochcarnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ropa an t-siul: to adjust sail up and down.
Category: Eathraichean / Boats
ropa ceangail an t-siul: can’t be knotted [?] [NOTES: both the definition and the accompanying illustration unclear.]
Category: Eathraichean / Boats
Ropework at hip with chimney: 1. Am mathair-shioman. 2. Na criosan. 3. Sioman gualainn. 4. An sioman dróma. 7. Bùna-baca. [NOTES: see below for definitions.]
Location: [Tiree, Scarinish]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
Ropework at hip without chimney: 1. Am mathair-shioman. 2. Na criosan. 4. An sioman dróma. 5. Na lùban. 7. Bùna-baca. [NOTES: see below for definitions.]
Location: [Tiree, Scarinish]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
rosd: Quot.: “seann rosd”. Note: applied to an old person who is past the stage of being able to do anything. Also applied to an old animal in the same way.
Origin: [Lewis], Arnol
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
rot: Quotation: Tha thìd agad am balach sin a rotadh dhachaidh – seall an uair a tha e.
Location: Lewis, Barvas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
rotadh: forced. Cha [sic] a rotadh a mach ás an tigh. [NOTES: the quotation on the slip has ‘Chaidh…’.]
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
roth: Quotation: an roth. Notes: cart wheel. Cuibheall or cuibhle not included by Dw. under “cairt”.
Origin: North Uist
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
rothainn: Quotation: Cuiridh an rud as lugha dhe a rothainn e. Notes: ‘The least thing will disconcert him, or make him lose his mental equilibrium.’
Location: Applecross
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ruadh an ùdh: infection in the udder.
Location: [Lewis], Arnol
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
ruadhan: Quotation: Téa ruadhain. An fheòil air a dhol ’na ruadhan le cus bruich.
Location: Harris, Ardhasaig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ruadhan: [ru̜ɤɣɑṉ] Quot.: “Tha do bhiadh air a dhol na ruadhan air an teine.”
Origin: Carloway, Doune
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ruadhan: Quotation: gealach a’ ruadhain. Notes: same as “gealach an [ɑpɑxi]” – sic.
Origin: Tiree
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ruadhan: Quot.: “Tha do bhiadh air a dhol na ruadhan air an teine.” Note: food spoiling on the fire.
Origin: Kershader
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ruadhan: Quot.: “Tha am biadh a’ dol na ruadhan air an teine.” Note: getting spoilt.
Origin: Uig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ruaganach: A toddler. Mu bhalach an cumantas. Ruaganach balaich.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ruaigean: an excursion, a walk, visit, etc. “Chaidh mi air ruaig sìos am baile.”
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ruathair: [ruɤhɑð] Quot.: “Tha a’ ruathair a’ dol an dràsd.” Note: stomach upset involving diarrhoea.
Origin: [Barvas]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
rubhan: ceithir no coig do fhoidean air an cur na seasamh air an ceann, ann an tacsa a cheile agus fear eile tarsuinn air an uachdar. So an rud ris an cante “togail na mònadh”.
Location: South Uist, Peninerine
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
ruca mór: large haystack in stackyard (anns an iodhlann).
Origin: Tiree
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
rud: Quotation: an droch rud. Notes: euphemism for ‘cancer’.
Location: Perthshire, Killin
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
rudhainn: Quotation: Cha tig e nall air an rudhainn. Notes: He’ll not cross over [?] the vicinity, environment.
Origin: Skye
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ruig: vb ‘reach, arrive’ : past: ràinig cuideigin an taigh aice; a’ cheud oidhche a bha meeting aca ruig e seo [DAG]
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
ruig am fàd: Comhairle a bheireadh lamh eòlach do ghille no do chaileig a bhiodh aig toiseach tòiseachaidh a’ buain. Bha sin a’ ciallachadh, “Sàth an tairsgeir sios dìreach gu uachdair an smeachain.”
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
ruigheadh (E): (‘righeadh’ as fheàrr) An corp air a righeadh ’s air a shuidheachadh mus fuaraicheadh e. [NOTES: slipped under ‘ruigheadh or righeadh’.]
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Bàs is Adhlacadh / Death and Burial
ruighinn: Quotation: Cho ruighinn ris an dollaig. Notes: “dollag” – probably “dallag”, type of dogfish.
Location: Lewis, Barvas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ruighinneachadh: [ru̜iəṉɑxəɣ] Quotation: Tha sin a ruighinneachadh air an teine. Notes: taking a long time to cook. [NOTES: slipped under ‘righnich’.]
Location: Skye, Kilmuir
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ruisealachadh: rushing, haste in housework. Bha mi ruisealachadh a stigh, leis an obair – ref. from a female at home.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Ruisia: Russia. ‘Ruisia’ as termed in Harris in other ‘ans [?] (an) Ruis’.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ruith an reis: Origin: [in the card index: Islay, Ballygrant]
Category: Cur-seachadan: Dèideagan, Geamaichean is Farpaisean / Recreation: Toys, Games, Contests
ruith-fhadhail: Chan eil càil a dh’fhios nach e frith-fhadhail a bhiodh an seo bho’n toiseach. “An fhrith-fhadail.” “Aig an fhrith-fhadail.” “Chun na fhrith-fhadail.” (Faic frith.) ’Se fadhail bheag a th’ann a mach chun na fadhlach eile sìos air Tràigh nan Srùban (aon de na tràghannan aig Tràigh Mhór Uige). ’Se ‘rith’ a chanas sinne airson ‘ruith’ mar a tha e sgrìobhte.
Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ruith-fhaodhail (I): Chan eil cinnt sam bith agam c’arson a tha an t-ainm ‘ruith-fhaodhail’. [See faodhail]
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Cruth na Tìre / Landscape Features
rulladh: separating the barley grain from the chaff – an operation quite different from that of winnowing oats as barley chaff is heavier and does not so readily ‘go with the wind’.
Origin: Eileanaich [natives of Lewis]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
ruma: nn ‘rum’ : a’ toirt a-staigh an ~ [DAG]
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
runnach eich, r. dubh, r. ciuil, an cnàimh r.: 104 [Scad or Horse Mackerel].
Location: Mull [see below for details]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
rusair: rushy [sic] female, or: Ceann an ruiseir ud air nochdadh, or: ’S e ruisear innte gu bhi falbh.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
rusg buidhe nan creag: Yellow lichen on rocks by shore. Disease: burns. How prepared: lichen boiled until nearly dry, then mixed with fresh butter to make an ointment.
Origin: Mull, Bunessan, Ardtun, Knockan or Mull, Burg or Mull, Tobermory or Mull, Bunessan, Taoslainn
Category: Blàthan-Leighis / Medicinal Plants
rusgadh: Air tus gearradh a’ bhlair le spaid, agus na dheidh sin a to’airt air falbh nam plocan uachdrach le cablair. Turfing – first cutting long ways and crossways by spade, after which the turf is removed by flatter-spade, sketch of which is shown. Tha nis an t-ullachadh deanta arirson buain na moine le taraisgil – aon fhear a’ gearradh is fear eile a’ sgaoiladh [sic] mach na moine air a’ bhlar. The way is now prepared for cutting and casting the peat by tusk – one man cutting and another spreading out the peat on the moss.

Origin: Cataobh [Sutherland – probably meant as the county not origin]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
ruspag: a wee rasp with a file. Thug mi ruspag air. Thug mi ruspag air leis an t-sàbh.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
rustaich: [ru̜st̪iç] Note: fear trom an inntinn ’s an corp.
Origin: Swainbost
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
rutas: [ru̜t̪əs] Quotation: Seall a’ rutas a th’air an duine sin. Notes: greed, e.g. a person trying to get more than his fair share of something such as when collecting seaweed.
Origin: Applecross
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ruthadh: [ru̜həɣ] Quotation: Tha ruthadh anns an aodann aige. Notes: ruddiness.
Location: Skye, Breakish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ràc-an-arbhair: Notes: corncrake.
Location: Skye, Kilmuir
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ràc-an-arbhair: Notes: corncrake.
Location: Skye, Staffin
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ràfard: nonsensical talk. “Dè an ràfard a tha ort?”
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ràis: Quotation: “Chuir e a cheann a-mach air an uinneig, ’s chuir e ràis dh’a theanga mach air a bhial.” Notes: my mother, telling story of Dr Alex Matheson’s action to the driver of a car following him on the Bayble road. Not in Dw.
Location: Lewis
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ràmh: Quotation: Bha sinn air an t-aon ràmh. Notes: We were cooperating, seeing eye to eye.
Location: Skye, Breakish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ràodain: fiasgainn bheaga air piosan fiodha air an traigh.
Location: Harris, Sgarastamhor
Category: Maorach / Shellfish
ràp: a fragment, small portion. Would be heard as – “Cha phaighinn ràp dhe’n airgiod sin gus an tig an gnothach gu cuirt.”
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ràs-gaoithe: strong breeze of wind. The description more inclined to the east wind, as in this instance: Bha ràs de ghaoith-an-ear ann le turadh. Turadh na mòine – a peat drying remark. The east wind is a very effective agent in drying peats on Harris.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ràth: an amount of seaweed bound and towed to a port.
Location: Skye, Bernisdale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
rè: Quotation: rè an t-samhraidh. Notes: during.
Origin: Loch Tay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
rèic a’ chruinn: an obtuse angle on a mast.
Location: South Uist, South Lochboisdale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
rèidh: adj.’finished’: chan eil e ~ fhathast, tha sin aige ri dhèanamh fhathast da’ [nuair] ’bhiodh tu ~ dheth; feasgar da’ bha thu ~ a dh’obair; ga dhèanamh ~ gus an coisich iad
a-staigh; spliotadh e cho ~ ri -- ghlaine
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
rèidh: adj. ‘finished; straightforward’ : nuair a bha e ~ leis an tuaigh; bha e ~ dhan fhuaraig; gabh an rathad fada ~ an àite ‘ghabhail an rathad goirid, ’ chabhsa [xãũsə]
[FMM]
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
rèidhleadh (E): An ceangal air an dubhan ris an t-snòta.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
rèipeag: a child with a mark of his eating excess on his lips; or [?] rather the sign of an untidy eating process on his lips, such [as] in the case of eating chocolate etc. [SLIP: A mark left on a child’s mouth after eating eg. a bar of chocolate; pos. the child himself.]
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
rèiteach: n. ‘engagement party’: tha cuimhne a’m air an ~; oidhche anrèitich
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
rèiteach (E): “A’ rèiteach an lìn-bhig.” A’ rèiteach: ’ga chur rèidh gus a bhith deiseil airson a bhiathadh.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
réir (sic): Quotation: (1) Fhuair an t-each ma réir. [mɑ̃:ɾe:ɾ] (2) Tha a’ chonnlach ma réir. Notes: (1) The horse broke free. (2) The straw is loose, untied.
Location: Tiree, Cornaigbeg
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
réiteach: ag cur an lìon air ais anns an sgùil [q.v.] an òrdugh air a glanadh is air a tiormachadh.
Origin: Geàrrloch (Loch Iubh) [Gairloch (Loch Ewe)]
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
Réiteach lion beag: Tha an lion ga dhóirteach a mach as an sguil is ga réiteach innte. Tha chula dubhan ga chur ann an siopaig le ‘Marline Spike Hitch’. Bidh cuid a’ cur an dubhain ann an toinneabh na calp.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
ròcach: dusk. Describes an evening when it was not fully dark. [NOTES: corrected to ‘rocach’.]
Location: South Uist, Milton
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ròineag: Quot.: “Ròineagan a’ tuiteam fon an t-snàth.” Note: short wool fibres falling from yarn.
Origin: Kershader
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ròmach: rough. (Aird) A building at Belladrum, with very jagged stones, was known as “an taigh ròmach”.
Location: Inverness
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Ròmanach: Quotation: Bu tu an Ròmanach. Notes: used in Lewis to denote an uncouth and possibly selfish person.
Location: Lewis
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ròs-eilean: an isle or islet (on which foliage grow) (frith-eilean-ròsach) covered with shrubbery of various species.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ròsdadh crùbaig: Cuir ris an teine i mar gun cuireadh tu fad air; tionndaidh i an dràsda ’sa ris gus am faic thu a’ chéir chruaidh dhonn a’ nochdadh. Thoir dhith an t-apran mus cuir thu ris an teine i.
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness, Lionel
Category: Maorach / Shellfish
ròt: Quotation: Tha thu na do ròt an sin. Notes: a stretched out figure.
Location: Ross-shire, Aultbea
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ròtadh: rooted out. “Chaidh a rhòtadh a mach as an taigh.” [NOTES: corrected to ‘rotadh’]
Origin: [Harris]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ròth: [rɔ:] Quotation: Mar a gheibh iad suas air a’ ròth e. Notes: where the sea leaves a deposit of seaweed. (H. Meek – “Fhuair mi anns an ròth e.”)
Location: Tiree, Heylipool [sic]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
rùc: throat, wheeze. “Dh’fhalbh an rùc as.”
Location: Skye
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
rùc(an): rick. (very long sound) (Aird) ‘Raocan’ in Badenoch.
Location: Inverness
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
rùchdadh: [ru̜:xkəɣ] Quotation: a’ rùchdadh an fheòir. Notes: coiling grass.
Origin: Gigha
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
rùdan: chan eil. Ach ann an àiteachan ag éigheach air rùd, tha ‘rùidein’ aca. “Trobhad, rùidein, trobhad.” Mar ag éigheach air tarbh: tairbhein. “Trobhad, tairbhein, tairbhein.”
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
rùdh-ràdh: [ru̜:rɑ:] Quot.: “Tha sibh air rùdh-ràdh a dheanamh dhan an tigh.” Note: everything upside down.
Origin: Kershader
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
rùdhadh: ’S e a’ cheud togail an rùdhadh – ceithir fòid gan cur ’na seasamh an taca r’a cheile, ’san coigeamh fàd ’na bhonaid orra. Obair dhórainneach do dhruim an ana-cleachdaidh.
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
rùdhan: an indefinite number of tinnteinean in a rounded stack according to dryness of peat.
Origin: Barra
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
rùdhan: ceithir fòid an taca ri chéile agus boineid orra.
Location: Lewis, Lochs, Leurbost
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
rùdhan (f): ceithir no coig de dh’fhòid air an seasamh air an ceann, agus fàd air fhaid air an uachdar.
Origin: Uibhist-a-Tuath [North Uist]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
rùghan: B’e a’ cheud nì a’ mhòine a chur air a casan as an sgaoiltich – a’ deanamh ’n a rùghanan. Dà fhad an taca a chèile, fàd aig gach ceann, agus fàd air a’ mhullach, b’e sin rùghan. Ach ’s ann tearc a bhiodh an rùghan cho beag an sin. Bhiodh fòid ’ga chur ris airson a dheanamh na bu bhonncharaiche.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
rùp: an auction of a deceased person’s property. [NOTES: note added – radhp (S. Uist).]
Location: South Uist, Iochdar, Baile Gharbhaidh [Balgarva]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
rùsg: Quotation: Bha mi aig an rùsg. A’ rùsg nan caorach. Notes: at the clipping of the sheep (no ‘adh’ at the end).
Origin: Drumguish, by Kingussie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
rùsgadh: a’ gearradh fodha’s a’ tilgeil a’ chip thar a’ phuill. Ma bhitheas dithis ann, bidh am breacadh tarsuinn ’s an gearradh fodha air an deanamh aig an aon am.
Origin: Borraraig [Skye, Boreraig]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
rùsgadh: A’ rùsgadh na talmhainn bharr uachdar a’ phuill gu’m faigheadh tu an riasg glan. An uair sin bha thu deiseil airson tòiseachadh a’ buain. Leud an rusgaidh: Airson poll dhà fhad, dà throigh (2'). Airson poll thrì fad, troigh gu leth (1½'). Ach airson poll ùr ann an lèana b’e leud fad spaide an leud bu lugha a dh’fheumadh a bhith ann. Bha seo airson na’n deadh ainmhidh do an pholl gu’m biodh rùm aige airson tionndadh. (lagh an fhearainn no lagh an uachdarain). Doimhne an rùsgaidh: Gu robh thu a’ faighinn an réisg glan.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
rùsgadh: Quotation: rùsgadh seasgach or rùsgadh an t-seasgach. Notes: yeld clipping.
Origin: North Uist
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
rùsgadh: Skinning or turfing. Tha an cargur mu chóig oirlich dheug. Tha an ceap ga ghearradh – mu throigh a dh’fhad ann – is ga thionndadh air a’ charcus, a’ toiseachadh aig earball a’ phuill ’s a’ tionndadh a mach gu a cheann. Faodar so a dheanamh laithean roimh’n bhuain.
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
rùsgadh (v.n.): an aon chiall ri ‘feannadh’.
Origin: Uibhist-a-Tuath [North Uist]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
sabh-mór: Sàbh-mór – Two-handed saw for use in a saw pit. (Dwelly) Sàbh-mór – Whip-saw. (MacLennan) Whip-saw – A narrow saw for dividing timber lengthwise, usually set in a frame and often worked by two persons. (Chamber’s Twentieth Century Dictionary, 1960) [NOTES: the following comment copied from Mr MacLeod’s letter of 29/04/1968] Chan eil fhios agam am biodh sàbh-mór aca ’ga oibreachadh anns a’ Chomraich. Có dhiù bhios cuimhne leibhse. Bha cuimhne aig m’athair a bhith toirt fiodh ciste-laighe as a’ logainn nuair a bhàsaicheadh duine. Agus sin leis an t-sàbh-mhór. Làithean cruaidhe bha siod. (As a’ logainn, mar a chanadh na bodaich. ’Se a chanas sinne an diugh as a’ loga. ’Se còmhradh nam bodach bu chearta. Loga (I).)

Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sabhach: Quot.: “sabhach an taireisgeir”. Note: the wooden shaft of the peat-cutting iron.
Origin: Crowlista
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sabhal: Quotation: “Is lom ’s is fuar an sabhal a’ chreag.” Notes: “Bare and cold the barn is the rock.” Insecurity of fishing.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sac: [sɑxk] Quotation: Bha sac mór air an each. Notes: load.
Origin: Glenurquhart
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sac: Lòd mór b’e sin sac. “Donnchadh agus saca an eilbhein air.”
Origin: [Lewis, Uig]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
sac: asthma; old cure – drying a dead mouse over an open fire, grinding it into a powder and sprinkling it on milk, to be drunk.
Location: Harris, Cluer
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sac: [sɑxk] Quotation: an sac. Notes: asthma.
Origin: North Uist
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Sacramaid Bord an Tighearna: Location: Arran, Pirnmill
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
saghan: Quotation: Thàinig e ’s saghan air. Notes: an angry appearance.
Origin: Skye
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sail-aotrom: Quot.: “an t-sail-aotrom”. Note: this regulated the coarseness of the meal by adjusting the clearance between the two mill-stones.
Origin: [Lewis], Arnol
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
saile: beam. Cha bhiodh seo ach an tigh mór.
Origin: Geàrrloch (Loch Iubh) [Gairloch (Loch Ewe)]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
salachair: placenta or afterbirth. Expression: ‘na rùg i an salchair’.
Location: Lewis, Arnol
Category: Crodh / Cattle
salachar: placenta. Salachar an tairbh – semen.
Origin: Leodhas [Lewis], Uig
Category: Crodh / Cattle
salachar: in the literal sense of a dirty person. Also in sense of an unworthy, disgusting person.
Location: Benbecula, Muir of Aird
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
salachar an tairbh: semen left by the bull.
Origin: Leodhas [Lewis], Uig
Category: Crodh / Cattle
salainn: Quotation: “O’ cha b’e sin an salainn saor!” Notes: said of anything that is dear.
Location: Islay, Port Wemyss
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
samanadh: examining. This is perhaps an invented word from the English word examining; perhaps also a case in an attempt in pronunciation: that is a Gaelic approach to it?
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sannt: [s[ɑ̃ũ̜]n̪t̪] Quotation: a’ cur an crann gu sannt. Bha ’n còrr sannt air a’ chrann. Notes: when the plough is adjusted so as to turn a wider furrow.
Location: Ross-shire, Dornie, Morvich
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
saobhaidh: Toll (nàdurach) ann an aodann a’ phuill, no anns a’ charcaire. (Fuaimnich ‘ao’ mar ann an ‘aoradh’.)
Origin: [Lewis, Uig]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
saoghal: Quotation: Ann an ceann saoghal. Notes: Long, long ago.
Location: Ross-shire, Achiltibuie, Alltan Dubh
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
saoghal: Quot.: Bha saoghal bràth ann dheth [sw:əɫbɾɑ:x]. Note: there was an unlimited amount of it.
Origin: [Barvas]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
saoghal: [sw:vəɫ] Quot.: “Chan fhaca tu càil air an t-saoghal [t̪w:vəɫ] collach ris.” Note: “saoghal” often pronounced this way here.
Origin: Kershader
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
saoghal: n. ‘world’: bha uair ga robh (an) ~ theireadh iad; cha bhiodh iad ’ dol an an aghaidh a chèile dòigh air an t-~; cha tugadh sin mionaid an t-saoghail dhomhsa
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
saoghal: nn ‘world; life’: shiubhail e an ~; tha ‘ ~ feumach air uisge; chan eil iad a’ trod idir an-diugh, bha, uair ga robh an ~, ach chan eil an-diugh [FMM]; dè an ~ a tha aca?; dè an ~
aig Màiri Bhàn?; nach robh àite aca dhomh air an t-~ eile, co-dhiù; nuair ‘ bhiodh frolick uair dhan t-saoghal; dhèanadh e rud air an ~; gen. bho chionn fhad an t-saoghail
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
saoil: vb ‘believe’; fut.:~ a bheil? ~ an rachadh aca air lumannan [=?] a chur air falbh?; ~ leam deth gum biodh tuainealaich anns a’ cheann aig’; cond.: nuair a shaoileadh iad nach robh
an dala taobh a’ dèanamh ‘ rud bu chòir daibh a bhith ‘ dèanamh; past: ‘s sh. esan gu robh e beò
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
saoirsinneachd: nn f. ‘carpentry’: ò, Ìosa, cho daor ‘s tha an t-~ an-dràsta
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
saoirsne: relief, e.g. “Thug an cungaidh sin saoirsne mhór dhomh.”
Location: Barra, Eoligarry
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
saoradh: Notes: Mar saobh-shouth ann an faclair Dwelly.
Origin: Kilmaluag
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
saorsaineach’: n. ’woodwork’: tha sinn a’ ~ còmhla; tha mi aig ~ suas ri -- fifty-three years; ’s e ceird a th’ anns an t-~
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
saothadh: [sɤ:həɣ] Quotation: 1. “Chaneil saothadh ’s an duine a tha so.” 2. Gu de a’ saothadh a th’aige sin? Notes: 1. drive, vigour, strength. 2. essence.
Origin: Barra
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
saothair: Quotation: saothair an [dɤhə]. Notes: a pointless task, “obair gun fheum”.
Location: Barra, Bruernish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
saothair: used to mean labour pains. “Bha i pulla mór ann an saothair.”
Location: North Uist, Sollas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sas an am bogalach: stuck in a bog.
Origin: Tiree
Category: Crodh / Cattle
sas an am féithe: stuck in a bog.
Origin: Tiree
Category: Crodh / Cattle
Sasunnach: Quotation: Fhreagair e anns an Sasunnach. Notes: English (language).
Origin: Loch Tay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
scraing: Nach ann ort a tha an ‘scraing’. – facial expression.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
scramh: reference to an eye-sore; a sentiment of an eye-sore of a boat etc. [NOTES: the original ‘scramh’ has been changed to ‘sgramh’ possibly by the person preparing slips.]
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
scramhag: an undesirable covering on a melted potion [sic] of fat when in the process of being
melted, thus advisable as: thoir dhe’n scramhag th’air uachdar.
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Blàthan-Leighis / Medicinal Plants
scroid: (scryj) an untidy woman; a large flat button.
Location: South Uist, Bornish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
scumalaig: a useless tonic. “Chan eil fhios agam dè an scumalaig gun fheum a bh’ann.”
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
scummar(n): an instrument used for catching clams. Long wooden handle with net at end giving a bag effect. [NOTES: note added in pencil: sgumair.]
Location: Barra, Castlebay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
scàrlaid: Quotation: an teasach scàrlaid. Notes: scarlet fever.
Origin: Glenurquhart
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
seabhtadh: a borrowing from the English word ‘shift’. Used in Gaelic for changing your clothes. “An do sheabht thu do léine?”
Location: Barra, Eoligarry
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
seacaid: Quot.: “Rinn mi mo sheacaid air an t-soup.” Note: ate a lot of it and enjoyed it – a phrase used by Arnol people. This was said after a wedding meal by one.
Origin: [Barvas]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
seacaid: [ʃɛkɑdʹ] Quot.: “Rinn mi mo sheacaid air an fheòil.” Note: used by someone who has eaten a lot of a particular food. Filled himself up with it.
Origin: [Caversta]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
seacaid-àrca: Life-jacket. ’Se àrca a bhiodh unnda an uair ud.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
seach: Quotation: a’ dol ma seach leis an deoch. Notes: staggering.
Location: Skye, Kilmuir
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
seachad: Quotation: Thainig mi seachad air anns an dradhair. Notes: I came across it in the drawer.
Location: Skye, Sleat, Calligary
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
seachad : ~ air: prep. ‘over, past’ cha d’fhuair mi an ùine seo a thoirt ~; ~ air: ach fhuair mi ~ air [= pneumonia]
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
seachdamh: ord. num. ‘seventh’: nuair a bha mi anns an t-~ leabhar
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
seacla: n.: bha cumadh air mar gum biodh crudhs eich agus fiaclan ann, cha robh e ’na chnapan idir ach bha i ’ dol cothrom air n-ais ’s air n-adhart air an t-~, bha ’n ~ ’ dol mun
cuairt
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Mira Co., Marion Bridge
Category: Word List
seadadh: A’ dealachadh nan caorach bho chèile. Aon, no dhà, no trì, no aireamh eile a mach bho chàch. “Tha e math air an seadadh.” (an cù) [SLIP: Separating one, two or several sheep from the main flock.]
Origin: Leòdhas, [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Stuigeadh Coin / Encouraging a Dog
sealg: Quotation: Là fosgladh an t-sealg. Notes: 12th August.
Origin: Blackburn, near Glentarff
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sealghan: [ʃɑɫɑɣɑṉ] Quot.: Cha deach càil air mo shealghan an diugh.
Origin: Carloway, Doune
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
seall: Quotation: Chaidh mi ga shealltainn. Bha mi ga shealltainn an raoir. Notes: I went to see him. I visited him last night.
Location: Tiree, Caolis
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sean: adj. ‘old’ : an t-seann fheadhainn
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
sean bhean: n. ‘old woman’: ma bha -- an t-~ anns an taigh … dhèanadh ise -- a’ chuid -- bu mhotha dheth
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Mira Co., Marion Bridge
Category: Word List
sean chramail: an old man. [NOTES: ‘sean’ corrected to ‘seann’.]
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sean chrannaghal: of an old immobile woman.
Location: North Uist, Grimsay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sean chruilleasg: a very old woman or alternately an old instrument about to fall apart. [NOTES: ‘chruilleasg’ corrected to ‘chrùilleasg’.]
Location: South Uist, Stoneybridge
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sean stioll: an old girlfriend. [NOTES: note added above ‘stioll’ – stiall.]
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
seanabheulach: Notes: used of youngster who talks like an older person.
Location: Harris, Ardhasaig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
seanachara: Quotation: duine seanachara. Notes: an old-fashioned person.
Origin: North Uist
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
seang: Quotation: an t-seang. Notes: the instep of a shoe.
Origin: North Uist
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
seangan: [ʃɛə̃ɣɑ˖n] Notes: an ant.
Location: Ross of Mull
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
seannlachadh: Quotation: Bha mi gu seannlachadh leis an acras. Notes: ‘famished’ with hunger. (? seann + lathachadh)
Location: Barra, Northbay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
seanntaich: [ʃw̃:n̪t̪iç] Quot.: “Tha am biadh a [ʃw̃:n̪t̪ɑxəɣ] air an teine.” Note: food spoiling on the fire from being left too long. (spelling?)
Origin: Crowlista
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
searbh: Quotation: Cho searbh ris an dunialas [?].
Location: Skye?, Braes, Baile Meadhonach
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
searbh: Quotation: Cho searbh ris an dom. Notes: dom – gall-bladder.
Origin: Coigach
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
searrag (pl. -an): Notes: a long stride.
Origin: Ness
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
seas: Quot.: Seas do [huɫıçəṉ]. Note: said by one player in a shinty side to an opposing player, demanding him to take a proper stance with his stick.
Origin: [Lewis], Arnol
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
seas: vb ‘last’ : fut.:tha mi ‘n dòchas gun ~ i [= an car] air an trip dhuibh; past: cha do sh. Ralph ... fada dhaibh
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
seasgach: Quot.: an dòrn, an t-seasgach, a’ liadh. Note: three parts of the oar. “Seasgach” – the mid-part. Same length in the three parts.
Origin: [Caversta]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
seasgach: Quotation: a’ rùsgadh seasgach. Notes: yeld clipping. Or “Rusgadh [sic] an t-seasgach”.
Origin: North Uist
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
seiceil: seiceil ann an cuibheal shniomh (from shackle).
Location: Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
seicein: calf in poor condition though sometimes used as an endearing term.
Origin: Barra
Category: Crodh / Cattle
seiche: Quotation: “Sin agad an toll a mhill an t-seiche.” Notes: “That is the rock on which we perished.”
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
seid: leabaidh de chamhlach air an làr – aodach leabadh air a chuir air a lar, neo faodaidh camlach [sic] a bhi foidhe gu cadal air.
Location: Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
seidhig: “’S ann agad-sa tha an t-seidhig.” Ainm a tha aca ann an Dail-o-Dheas air crubaig mhór mhath.
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness, Lionel
Category: Maorach / Shellfish
seilbh na h-oighreachd: the traditions of an estate. “Bha clann Mhic Ic Ailein a’ leantail seilbh na h-oighreachd gus an do cheannaich coigreach i anns a naoidheamh linn deug.”
Location: South Uist, Stilligarry
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
seilbhinneas: the wealth, economy of an area. Informant suggests ‘seilbhinnear’ for an economist.
Location: North Uist, [Carinish], Cnoc Cuidhein [Knockquien]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
seilch (an t-): Quotation: Beiridh an t-seilch ort (used by mothers as threat to children who ventured too near loch with water-lilies). Notes: Not in Dw. Monster reputed to live in lochs on which water-lily grows. It was supposed to suck people down into the loch. Cf. seilcheag ‘snail’. Scots selchie, a kind of enchanted seal.
Location: Lewis
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
seilcheag: [ʃɛ̜:liçək] snail. Chunnaic mi seilcheag air an lice lom; chual mi chuthag gam miar mo bhroinn; chunnaic mi an t-searrach ’s a chùlaobh rium, is dh’aithnich mi nach robh bhliadhn’ dol leam. [NOTES: the saying was slipped under the catch-word ‘seilcheag’ so it has been placed here. The slip gives only the phonetic transcription of the word spelled ‘miar’ in the questionnaire: [iər].]
Origin: Kill-Fhinn
Category: Crodh / Cattle
seile: [ʃelə] Quotation: Cha do rug i an t-seile fhathast. Notes: afterbirth (cattle or sheep).
Location: Skye?, Braes, Baile Meadhonach
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
seileach: nn f. ‘elm (?; recte ‘willow’)’: an ~ a’ fàs suas ‘s na daoine ’ cnàmh sìos
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
seileir: nn ‘cellar’: chuirinn an cù __ bochd dhan t-~
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
seilero (E): Tha fear dhiubh seo ann am Bréidhnis agus ann am Mangarstadh. Fear Bhréidhnis ’se toll a th’ann, pìos a stigh ’s an tìr.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Cruth na Tìre / Landscape Features
seimhig: [ˈʃɛ̃iɡʹ] Quot.: “Rinn e seimhig dheth.” Note: an object of derision, by beating the person in some way very decisively.
Origin: [Ness]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Seine nets: An diugh ’se ‘seine-netters’ a tha anns a’ chuid as motha de iasgairean Leódhais ag iasgach an eisg ghil is na musgain caol. Chan eil an obair so cho cruaidh oir tha iad anns a’ chidhe a chula h-oidhche. Cha t-fhuair mi eòlas ’sam bith air an obair so.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
seisean: Quotation: cléireach an t-seisein.
Origin: Islay, Ballygrant
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
seisgean: Quotation: Fhalbh ’s cuir aodach ort ’s na bi ann an sin na do sheisgean. Notes: name applied to a person, usually a child, who is [sic] has no clothes on.
Location: Lewis, Barvas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
seodadh: forcing, passing an article in a forcible like manner for to be accepted. Bha e seodadh sud thuige. [SLIP: Forcing something onto someone for them to accept it.]
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
seot: [ʃɔt̪] Quotation: Bha an saoghal aige air a sheot. Notes: He had everything at his disposal.
Location: Ross-shire, Aultbea
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
seub: [ʃe:b] Quot.: “Dùin an dorus agus [ʃe:b] a tighinn a steach air.” Note: draught.
Origin: Ness
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
seubhar: n. ‘share’: leis an teas -- fhuair mise mi fhìn mo sh. dheth
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
seàrrt: [ʃɑ:rtʹ] Quot.: Bha e na laighe seàrrt air an talamh. Note: stretched out and motionless.
Origin: [Lewis], Arnol
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
seòl: Quotation: ’S àrd a sheòlas an ceàrdaman ach is ann anns an t-salachair a thuiteas e.
Origin: Islay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
seòl-ràmhainn: Quotation: Nach e tha dorcha – ’se seòl-ramhainn [sic] a dh’fheumas a bhith an seo. Notes: prodding about with an oar when in shallow water to find out how close to shore one was.
Origin: Applecross
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
seóbhraich: Quotation: Tha am biadh agad a [ʃo:ɾɑxəɣ] air an teine. Notes: food drying up on the fire after being kept warm.
Location: Lewis, Barvas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
seóbhraich: [ʃo:ɾiç] Quot.: “Tha do bhiadh a’ [ʃo:ɾɑxəɣ] air an teine.” Note: drying up and going to waste.
Origin: [Barvas]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
seóin: [ʃo:nʹ] Quot.: “Rinn e seóin air an fheòil.” Note: [He] made a feast of the meat.
Origin: Uig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgabhan: Quotation: an sgabhan [əskɑ˖vɑ˖n]. Notes: the lungs. [NOTES: slipped under ‘sgamhan’.]
Location: Ross of Mull
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Sgadan beag nan lochan: Bhiodh an sgadan so, lan meilg is iuchair a’ dol a steach gu ruigeadh feamainn nan creag do gach loch mara is òb sios corsa sear Leódhais gach geamhradh mu am na bliadhn’ ùire. Bha e mar gum biodh iad a’ cur feum air uisge nan allt ’s nan aibhnichean. An diugh ’se gle bheag den sgadan so a gheibhear anns na lochan so – tha na ‘ring-netters’ ga ghlacadh a muigh anns a’ chuan mus ruig e tir. Cha chreid mi gu bheil iad a’ faighinn na h-uighir dheth ann an Loch Fìn fhein an diugh. ’Se gle bheag de bhàtaichean ‘drift-nets’ a tha ris an iasgach sin an diugh is mar sin ’se gle bheag de chutadh a tha dol air adhairt. Bha uair ’s ge bith de am bàta gu rachadh tu, bochd ’s ga robh iad, thairgte ‘fry’ dhuit. An diugh feumaidh tu do làmh a chur ’na do phocaid.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
sgadan-gréine: herring split and laid out to dry on a rock in the sun. Roc An Sgadain-Ghréin’: an underwater rock. The markings on it resemble split herring.
Origin: [Kintyre, Tarbert]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgag: Quotation: Tha e air sgagadh leis an teas. Notes: cracking through drying up, e.g. skin, peats, etc.
Origin: North Uist
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgaid: a good catch. “Nach tu a rinn a sgaid a raoir aig an iasgach.”
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgaid: to destroy, spoil. “Nach tu rinn a sgaid an diugh.” Also in sense of doing a great deal of work. “Nach tu rinn a sgaid obrach an diugh.”
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgaileag: Quotation: sgaileag(an) a’ bhuachair. Notes: mushrooms. Donald Archie MacDonald’s form: sgalagan-buachair also known as sgalag a’ bhuachaille.
Location: North Uist
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgalathadaich: [sɡɑɫɑhɑd̪iç] Notes: shouting loudly, making an awful din by shouting.
Location: Skye, Breakish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgall: [sɡɑu̜ɫ] Quot.: “Tha sgall air an aghaidh aige.” Note: a mark on one’s face, e.g. a birthmark.
Origin: [Lewis], Arnol
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgall: nn ‘bald pate’ : cha robh pioc do dh’fhalt air an fhear a bha __ ~ air ‘without hair’
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
sgalldaidhean: Là balbh agus frasan troma, troma aige ’ga dheanamh. Boillsgidhean tetha, tetha de an ghréin a’ tighinn a mach eadar na frasan. Chanadh na bodaich: “Tha e deanamh sgalldaidhean.”
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgamhan: ‘soul’. An robh duin’ anns an tigh? Cha robh sgamhan.
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgaoil: Quotation: a’ sgaoileadh an fheur. Notes: after it has been cut in swathes.
Location: Skye, Glasnakille
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgaoil: Quotation: a’ sgaoileadh an innearadh. Notes: spreading the manure.
Location: North Uist, Bayhead, Kylis
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgaoileadh air a’ bhann: sgaoileadh na sguaibe gus a tiormachadh ma ghabh i an t-uisge.
Origin: [Barra]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
sgaoilteach: plain, level ground appropriate for spreading clothes on to bleach. Tha e muigh (clothes) air an sgaoiltich. [NOTES: slipped under ‘sgaoilteach (noun)’. Definition: ‘Level ground appropriate for bleaching clothes’.]
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgaoilteach: am blar a mach a bhruach a phuill air a bheil a mhoine sgaoilte gus an togar i.
Origin: [Taransay]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
sgaoiltean: Half of a rig or of an iomaire.
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
sgar: Quotation: sgar an t-slait. Notes: middle part of fishing rod.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgaraiceadh: an angry bout. Leig e sgaraiceadh thuige.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris,Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgarbh: Quot.: sgarbh-an-tobain. Note: shag.
Location: Harris, Quidinish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgarbh: Quot.: sgarbh mór an uchd ghil. Note: cormorant.
Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgarbh air tìr: if a cormorant is ever sighted inland this is an indication of forthcoming bad weather.
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgarbh an sgumbain: shag.
Origin: Glasgow/South Uist? or South Uist, Kildonan or South Uist, Garrynamonie or South Uist or Skye, Bernisdale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgarbh reamhar: Tha an t-ainm-sa againn ann an dà àite ann am Beannaibh Uige. Sgarbh Reamhar aig a’ Bheinn-a-deas anns na Beannaibh Meadhonach agus Sgarbh Reamhar Theinniseal ann am beannaibh Eadar-Dha-Fhadhail. Sgarbh Reamhar, b’e seo cnap de an bheinn (an cnap as fheàrr dhi tha mi ’n dùil) ag éirigh as a déidh fhein mar seo: [see illustration]. Chan eil fhios ’am am bheil an t-ainm-sa an àite sam bith eile.

Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Cruth na Tìre / Landscape Features
sgathach: Quotation: Tha móran sgathaich so an duine sin. Notes: boasting, exaggerated talk.
Location: Ross-shire, Dornie, Morvich
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgathadair: Sgilb-fhuar. ‘Sgathaire’ ann an àiteachan. Ceann-shuas Uig an Iar againne ’se ‘sgathadair’ a chanas iad. An còrr de an sgìre ’se ‘sgilb-fhuar’ a chanas iad.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgathadh: Quot.: a’ sgathadh an eòrna. Note: cutting the barley sheaves to remove the lower part (with the roots for thatching).
Origin: [Lewis], Arnol
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgathadh bhunan: cutting the base and roots off barley sheaves with an old scythe blade and shaking all down into a thorough mixture for thatch.
Origin: Ross and Cromarty, Lewis
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
sgeadachadh (E): Chan eil ainm sam bith agam airson an sgeadachaidh a bhiodh a’ dol air taobh a muigh na ciste air muin an aodaich dhuibh ri oirean na ciste.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Bàs is Adhlacadh / Death and Burial
sgealb: an active, good-looking man. Similar to ‘pìos’ used in Lewis.
Location: North Uist, Carinish, Trianaid House
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgealbadh: cutting the potato leaving an eye in each part.
Origin: Ross and Cromarty, Lewis
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
sgeallan: Am briseadh geal air a’ mhuir nuair a bhiodh a’ ghaoth ’g a ghearradh. Sgeallan eile, an dìthean a bhiodh a’ fàs an àirde ’san arbhar.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgeannagan (m): [kind of seaweed.] Buidhe. ’Ga fhaotainn mar a bha an làn ìseal aig am [sic] sam bi de’n bhliadhna. ’Ga chaigneadh ’nad bhial cuideachd. Table-knife in shape.
Origin: Tiree
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
sgeigeire: [sɡʹeɡʹəðə] Quot.: “Sgeigeire bialach nach a ghearradh an fhiasag nach d’thàinig.” Note: duine fanaideach, sgeilmeil.
Origin: Swainbost
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgeil: [sɡʹel] Quot.: “Tha sgeil uamhasach air an te sin.” Note: She has an awful lot to say.
Location: [Lewis], S. Lochs, Gravir
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgeileichdan: [sic] reduced an item, an article by breaking it against a stone to the condition of ‘sgeilèichdan’, to a diminutive form, or breakage. Diminutive form of the word ‘sgeilèichd’ [q.v.], may have originated from ‘sgailc’.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgeilm: light story of an uncertain product.
Location: [Harris], Scalpaigh [Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgeilp: nn f. ‘shelf’ : dat.: saoil thu an ann air sgeilpidh [sgɛl̥p hiç] a bha e
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
sgeimhadh: an irritable approach. [NOTES: the slip has ‘sgeimheadh’. Definition: An irritable “approach”.]
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris,Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgeimheadh: [sɡɛ̃fəɣ] Quot.: Thug an cù sgeimheadh thuige. Note: lunged at him, snarling.
Origin: [Barvas]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgeimheag: an irritable female.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris,Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgeir: “skin” as on cold porridge, soup, etc. (N.E); tha sgeir air a theanga.; sgir (Lewis) – chan eil sgir air cnàmhan an eich sen [sic].
Origin: [Strathglass]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Sgeir-an-Teambuill: now under water but at one time not surrounded by water. One hundred yards from the water’s edge at Kildonan. In the sixteenth and seventeenth century people used to come from the neighbouring Ben Mor once a year at Halloween.
Location: South Uist, Kildonan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgeir-nicDhuinn: place-name, name of a sea rock at Scalpay (MacQueen’s rock). (I have given an example of place-names at Scalpay, hereon, to show how words came to be applied likewise, which is attributable generally, and perhaps could point to some findings that could lead us to understand the variety of ways words were used.) [NOTES: slipped under ‘sgeir’ with ‘Sgeir Nic Dhuinn’ as the quotation. Definition: MacQueen’s Rock (Scalpay).]
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgeitsesàbhaidh: n.: sàbh ris an canadh iad ~.
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Mira Co., Marion Bridge
Category: Word List
sgeula-sìnidh: a story running in a one direction without variations, that is corrugation, etc. Tha sgeula-sìnidh air. Now obsolete, an obsolete term, if not obsolete, a rarity word or term.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgeòblach: an untidy person.
Origin: [Strathglass]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgeòcan: [sɡʹɔ:kɑṉ] Note: amhaich cho fada ’s gu sealladh e air fhéin an clàr an aodainn.
Origin: Swainbost
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgeòladh: telling tales. De’n sgeòladh th’air. It’s an obsolete word, perhaps not quite yet. From ‘sgeòil’.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgeòtallan: Note: fear an-fhoiseil, mar eireag le ubh.
Origin: Swainbost
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgialt: sense. Cha’n eil sgialt aig an té ud. (Harris)
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgian-phòca: nn f. ‘pocket knife’ : muram biodh an ~ aige
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
sgiath: Quotation: Sgaoil e a’ sgiathan cho fada gus an sgàinn [sɡɛ̃:nʹ] e. Notes: He tried to take on too much at the one time.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgiath: Quotation: Dh’fhalbh an ùin’ [ũ:nʹ] air sgiath na cabhaig. Notes: quotation?
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgiath an t-suic: Pl. -an. ‘Winged’ part of sock.
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
sgiath an t-suic: the “winged” part of the sock.
Origin: Tiree
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
sgiath-an-fhichich: I am not sure of this one either. Some ailment approaching someone, misfortune. Bhuail sgiath an fhichich ort.
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgiathalaich: also applied humanly [sic] as: De a sgiathalaich th’air ’n duin’ ud – here and there and everywhere. [NOTES: the quotation on the slip reads ‘dé a’ sgiathalaich th’air an duin’ ud’. Definition: Fluttering about.]
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgiathan air cairt: sometimes to make a cart more commodious an extra board would be fixed to each side.
Origin: Eileanaich [natives of Lewis]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
sgil: [sɡʹıl] Quot.: a’ sgileadh an t-sìl. Note: grain put in a bucket and beaten with a spade to get rid of the “calg”.
Origin: [Barvas]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgil: Quotation: a’ sgileadh an t-sìl. Notes: “shelling” the grain in the mill.
Location: Romasdal
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Sgileadh: (Unhusking) Fosgladh an fheusgain le sgithinn is a’ toirt a’ bhiadhaidh as. Tha an t-ainm so – sgileadh – aca air an obair so air feadh an eilein so air fad, ach tha ainmeannan eile aca air an obair so an sud ’san so: Spioladh fheusgan – canaidh iad sin ris anns an Rudha (Portnaguran); Sgiuileadh fheusgan – air na Lochan; Sgiuileadh no sgiuileagadh – ann an Nis.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
sgilidh fhiasgan: Fosgladh an fhiasgain le sgian is a’ toirt a’ bhiadh as. Bha cutagan clannighean an sgadain gle fhreagarrach airson na h-oibreach so.
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness, Lionel
Category: Maorach / Shellfish
sgioba no sgiobadh: Peat cutting crew. ’S e criudha buain mhonach a tha am facal so a’ ciallachadh an diugh. Cha chuala mise a riamh e shios againn fhin ann an Rudha, far am bheil moran eathraichean fhathast, no ann an Uig a’ ciallachadh sgioba bàta no eathair.
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
sgioba-coise: an old reference to peat cutters on foot, making their way to a peat bank.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgiobadh: Nuair a bhiodh grunn mór thoirbhsgearan de mhuinntir eile a bhaile agad a buain na mona. Bhuaineadh iad i ’s an aon latha. Bhitheadh tu fhéin a rithist aca-san air là an sgiobaidh aca. Chan eil fhios agam dé cho tràth ’s a thòisich an obair-sa, an sgiobadh. Iomadach uair do dhuine leth-làmhach a rinn sinn a bhuain dha ’s an aon latha. Cha chanadh sinn sgiobadh ris an seo idir.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
sgiodaran: [sɡwd̪ərɑn] Note: fear leis an toigh a bhi ’g obair am poll ’s an innear.
Origin: Swainbost
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgiolmalach: various [?] in speech and action, as an unstable female in particular, changeable in story and actions.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgion an iaruinn: the blade of the peat iron.
Origin: Eileanaich [natives of Lewis]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
sgiorag: little time. Cha dean thu sin ann an sgioraig.
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgiorrag: an accident.
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgiorrag: little time. Cha dean thu sin ann an sgiorraig. (Scalpay)
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgiorrag: an accident.
Location: South Uist, South Lochboisdale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgiuchadh: applied to the skimming dive of a gannet ‘sùlaire’. “A’ sgiuchadh an uisge.”
Location: Eriskay, Na Hann [Haun]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgiuchadh ’s an adhbrann: twisted ankle.
Location: Harris, Rodel
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sglabhart: an abusive shout.
Location: Skye
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgleo air an adhar: Category: Sìde / Weather
sgleub: nn ‘lashing’ : gun toireadh i ~ dha leis an teangaidh
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
sgleubadh: [sɡle:bu̜] Quotation: a’ sgleubadh, a’ toirt sgleubadh air an duin’. Notes: scolding, ticking off.
Location: Sutherland, Kinlochbervie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgliam: Notes: person with an unprepossessing appearance; inane person.
Origin: Skye
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgliurach: an untidy housewife. [NOTES: the word provided as an example by the authors of the questionnaire and ticked by the fieldworker most probably to show that the informant used it.]
Location: Harris, Sgarastamhor
Category: Nàdur an Duine / Personality
sgliùnach: Faoileag òg le na spotan oirre. ’Se ‘sgliùnaidh’ a chanas muinntir nan Ceithir-peighinn-deug ann an Uig ri ‘sgliùnach’ againne. ‘Sgliùrach’ ann an Earraghàidheal.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgliùrach: an unpleasant person.
Location: South Uist, Iochdar, Baile Gharbhaidh [Balgarva]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgloban: hanging thickness of fat under the chin, or thickness of mutton under the chin of an extra fat person. [SLIP: Hanging fat under the chin.]
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgloidseach: an untidy woman.
Location: South Uist, Bornish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sglàbair: [sɡɫɑ:bəð] Note: fear ri cainnt shalach, innisgeach. Cha bhlais teanga sglabhair [sic] air càil ach an t-suaraich. [NOTES: the headword has been corrected from ‘sglàbhair’ to ‘sglàbair’ so it seems that this spelling should be used in the quotation.]
Origin: Swainbost
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sglàmhaire: an over zealous worker.
Location: South Uist, West Kilbride
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sglùidseach: an untidy person.
Location: South Uist, South Lochboisdale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgnoig: the very top part of a pinnacle, an affixed part to a top part in particular…
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgobadh: vigour, strength. “Feuma gur ann bho’d athair a fhuair thu an sgobadh sin.”
Location: North Uist, [Carinish], Cnoc Cuidhein [Knockquien]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgobadh (m): (‘dubadh’ an Leódhas.)
Origin: Geàrrloch (Loch Iubh) [Gairloch (Loch Ewe)]
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
sgoil Shàbaid: Sunday school. (‘Sàboinn’ no ‘Sàboinnd’ a chanas sinn airson Sàbaid. ’Se ‘Sàbon’ a chanas an ceàrd.)
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
sgoiltean: [sɡoltʹʃɑ̃ṉ] Notes: the half of a potato with an “eye” in it. Planted.
Origin: Glenurquhart
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgoitseir: (also) an economical proning [sic] [probing?] female, thriving from the unusual, keen to find, etc. (Perhaps from the word Scottish being interested in saving.)
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgolt: Quotation: ’S e spealg dheth fhéin a’ sgoltas an darach.
Location: Skye, Breakish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgoltadh: administering, e.g. “sgoltadh an lagha”.
Location: Skye
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgoltadh-gnothaich: Quot.: “Chaneil sgoltadh-gnothaich ann.” Note: said of a person who wouldn’t tackle anything enthusiastically and in an effective way.
Origin: [Barvas]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgonnan: the handle of an instrument. Not a specific implement.
Location: South Uist, Iochdar
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgor: Quotation: Bha sinn a’ sgoradh an eathar. Notes: putting supports, usually flat stones piled one on top of the other, under the bilges of a boat to keep it upright.
Location: Ross-shire, Aultbea
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgor: Quotation: a’ sgoradh a mhóine. Notes: forking the peats out further on the bank to make space. A special job for one of the crew. “A’ sgoradh as an fhàil” – all the crew working on the third peat with an iron each.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgoradh: Quotation: Chuir mi sgoraidheannan fon an eathar. Notes: supports, usually flat stones piled one on top of the other, put under the bilges of a boat to keep it upright.
Location: Ross-shire, Aultbea
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgorag: “a’ phutag” air cas-chrom, an rud air an robh thu a’ cur do choise. (Ach tha corra chiall eile aig Dwelly.)
Location: [various]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgoth: eathar de’n t-seorsa a tha air an togail ann an Nis gu h-araidh, gu math leathann le clagan deiridh.
Location: Na Hearadh, Gòbhaig [Harris, Gobhaig]
Category: Eathraichean / Boats
Sgoth Niseach: Bha toiseach is deireadh na sgoth Nisich a’ dol cho cas a steach chun an droma is gu robh moran throighean a dh’eadar dhealachadh eadar a druim agus fad a h-uachdair. Bha iad so math da rireabh gu ruith na mara agus gu dol ’na aghaidh. Dh’eireadh iad air an t-suala ach cha robh iad èasgaidh air an stiùir ann am muir tarsainn, is chaidh iomadh te dhuibh [sic] a chall a’ deanamh air Port Nis is muir tarsainn a’ tighinn orra bho thìr.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
sgoultair: shellfish. It has a stingy [sic] effect on the skin when handled, it leaves an after effect of sting. Fishermen use lubricating oil on their hands for a soothing formula when after having contact with them from their nets. As an emergency, engine oil is used by the fishermen, when any other oil isn’t available.
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgraing: Quotation: Nach ann ort a tha an sgraing. Notes: facial expression.
Location: North Uist
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgramh: (also) disgust (in connection with an old boat, etc.) Co ás a táinig a scramh [sic]. [NOTES: The quotation on the slip reads ‘Có ás a tàinig a’ sgramh?’ Definition: Disgusting old hulk of a boat.]
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgraoid: (used of a woman) e.g. seann sgraoid. Untidy older woman who takes no care of her appearance. Used also as a derogatory term describing an unpopular person, probably female.
Origin: [South Uist]
Category: Coltas an Duine / Personal Appearance
sgrath: a divot. Also ‘sgrath chuileag air druim na ba’, ‘sgrath air druim an eathair de sgreaganaich [q.v.] (barnacles)’, sgrath am broinn piob, i.e. the carbonisation in the bowl of a pipe.
Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgrath: Pl. -an. A large thin divot.
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
sgrath (f.): an rusg talmhainn a theid fheannadh air uachdar a’ phuill.
Origin: Uibhist-a-Tuath [North Uist]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
sgrathadh: paving with sods. A’ sgradhadh [sic] taobh an rathaid (old form). [NOTES: the quotation on the slip has ‘A’ sgrathadh…’.]
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgrathan: nuair a bhios a’ chruach mhór ullamh bidh sgrathan fada réisg air an cur tarsuinn air a mullach air an aghaidh fodhpa.
Origin: Borraraig [Skye, Boreraig]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
sgreadag: [sɡðed̪ɑɡ] Notes: “… an rud ghiar a bha ’s an uachdair nuair a bha thu ’ga chuir do’n chrannachan.” (not sure what this is)
Location: Harris
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgreadlan-dearg: [sɡɾɛd̪əɫɑ̃ṉdʹɛɾɑɡ] Notes: an area of finely broken red stone.
Origin: Glenurquhart
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgreagag(an): Tiny acorn barnacles that grow side by side on all rocks. Tha miltean ann dhuibh [sic] ri taobh a cheile. Gort air do chasan luirmeachd.
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness, Lionel
Category: Maorach / Shellfish
sgreataidh: expression of disgust, abhorrence. Heard this in context of someone complaining of stifling, humid conditions – “O nach robh e sgreataidh a staigh an sud.”
Location: Barra, Eoligarry
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgriob: [sic] drag, as: Fhuair e sgriob mhath anns an tàbh (spoon-net). Also a winding on a hill, footpath on a hill. (Harris) (Already noted this instance of interpretation. Various meanings, var[iety?] of meanings to words.) [NOTES: slipped under ‘sgrìob’. Quotation: Fhuair e sgrìob mhath anns an tàbh. Definition: 1. A good haul (as above). 2. A winding footpath on a hill.]
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgriob drama: having an itchy upper lip meant that one would get an unexpected dram.
Location: South Uist, Bornish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgriob drama: an itch just above your upper lip. Indicates that you are about to receive a drink from someone.
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgriogal: [sɡɾiɡəɫ] Quotation: “Ciamar a tha thu?” “O, tha mi nam sgriogal grannda ann an seo.” Notes: useless worn-out person.
Location: Canada, Christmas Island
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgriogal: an aged shabby woman, or an old maid, begin [sic] to lose interest in herself.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgriosan uisge: Mar gum biodh fras uisge ann an latha math.
Origin: Mull, Tobermory
Category: Sìde / Weather
sgriot (E): An aon seòrsa ri raod [q.v.]. Faisg, faisg air co dhiu. “Sgriot eagalach a th’innte.” [SLIP: A very thin woman.]
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Nàdur an Duine / Personality
sgriutha: (propeller) screw, reference to a propeller of an engine.
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgrogadh: [sɡ̊rɔɡ̊əɣ] Quotation: Air an sgrogadh leis an òrd.
Location: Mull
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgrogag: Notes: an old battered hat.
Origin: Skye
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgrogag: an old done cow.
Origin: Geàrrloch [Gairloch]
Category: Crodh / Cattle
sgrogag (-an): two bits of wood protruding from the end of a cart. These were used to facilitate the tipping of loads.
Location: North Uist, Iollaraigh [Illeray]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgroidhleag: [sɡɾɤilɑɡ] Notes: an old cow ready to be killed.
Location: North Uist, Bayhead, Kylis
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgroig: Notes: an old-fashioned, rather ill-favoured female. Dw. has sgroig (MacEachan), see sgroigean, see sgruigean neck of bottle etc.; short-necked person (in ridicule).
Location: Lewis
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgroiteach: unsuitable female for a girlfriend with a youth. [SLIP: An unsuitable girl-friend for a youth.]
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris,Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgruiteach: [sɡɾu̟ıtʹɑx] Note: an craicionn a’ seargadh ’s e a’ fàs buidhe air na cnàmhan.
Origin: Swainbost
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgrum: So an t-ainm a tha aig na Nisich air na feusgain bheaga a tha fàs ’na miltean ri taobh a cheile air na sgeirean. Cha chuala mi an t-ainm so ann an àite ach an Nis. Bidh na Nisich a’ buain nam peileachan dhuibh [sic] le bhith cur spaid fodhpa, agus pronnaidh iad iad ’na lite airson pronna-bhiadhadh gus na cudaigean a thàladh far an ruig an tigh-thàbhaidh orra.
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness, Lionel
Category: Maorach / Shellfish
sgréidheadh: [sɡɾe:əɣ] Quotation: fiodh air sgréidheadh leis an teas. Notes: shrivelled. “Sgréidht”: past part. passive.
Location: Lewis, Barvas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgrìob: “Chuir e air falbh air sgrìob e.” “Bheir an cù agam-sa sgrìob cho math ’sa thug cù a riamh.” Sgrìob:

Origin: Leòdhas, [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Stuigeadh Coin / Encouraging a Dog
sgrìob: Quotation: 1. sgrìob pòige. 2. sgrìob drama. Notes: 1. an itching about the lip portending meeting somebody. 2. a dram of whisky.
Origin: Skye
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgrìoban: car coltach ri ràcan ach nas giorra agus nas gairbhe. ’Se am feum a bha ann, gu lìonadh nan toll anns an cuirte buntata ann an feannaig no ann an achadh beag no gàradh. Seo an obair a dhèante le cliath air achadh nas motha.
Origin: [Barra]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
sgrìth: Notes: an area of loose stones on a hillside.
Location: Skye, Breakish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Sgròbadair no Fear sgròbaidh: So a fear a bhios a’ toirt an éisg bho na dubhain mar a thig e don eathar. Aithnichidh tu an droch sgròbadair air na bhios de dhubhanan a dhith air do lion beag, no ma bhios gaileach an eisg a mach air a bheul. ’Sann a’ slaodadh nan dubhan as na beòil a bhios esan an àite fosgladh.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
sgròbag: Quotation: An òrdag, a’ sgròbag, Mairi fada, Mac an Aba, frìdeag. Notes: the index finger.
Location: Ross-shire, Achiltibuie, Alltan Dubh
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgròth: covering of rust on iron, covering of mould on rock or any item, lichen on rock. Thoir an sgròth chrotuil sin dhi (rock or stone). Perhaps from sgrath (turf). [NOTES: slipped under ‘sgroth’.]
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgrùbail: feeling your way with your hands. “Bha mi sgrùbail ’san dorchadas airson àit’ anns an suidhinn.”
Location: Benbecula, Creagorry
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgrùbair: [sɡɾu̟:bɑð] Note: Sgrubair [sic] nach leigeadh dhuit ach an t-acras agus am bàs.
Origin: Swainbost
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sguab: Pl. -an. Sheaf (of corn).
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
sguab-leis-an-t-siol: reference to nutrition for cattle.
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Blàthan-Leighis / Medicinal Plants
sguabanta: cleanly as in: “Thog e an cudthrom gu sguabanta.”
Location: North Uist, Grimsay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sguainne: An sguainne balaich ud aige, no an sguainne nighinn ud aige. – Pìos mór de chreutair. Co dhiu, pìos fada. Cha chuala mi ‘sguainne’ a riamh mu dhaoine air fàs suas.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sguairne: an objectionable, large woman. Also in sense of anything large and objectionable.
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sguaraigeadh: menacing attitude of two standing opposite each other ready to fight. ‘Sguaraigeadh’ againne a b’òige, dìreach ‘square’ (Beurla) agus ‘aigeadh’ as a dhéidh. Aig an fhìor sheann fheadhainn, ‘square’ air a chantainn ‘sguar’, mar a chanas Ileach ‘fuar’ (foo ar). (foo-ar-aigeadh, fuaraigeadh, sguaraigeadh)
Origin: Leodhas [Lewis], Uig
Category: Cur-seachadan: Dèideagan, Geamaichean is Farpaisean / Recreation: Toys, Games, Contests
sguaraigeadh: Arsa am bodach: “Bha i ann an siod (a’ bhana-cheard) aig dorus an tigh-change, ’s i a’ sguaraigeadh ’s a’ sguaraigeadh.” – squaring up for a fight.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgudsaireachd: sgudding [sic] [scudding?]. Bha i sgudsaireachd seachad oirnn an dràsda ’s a rithisd mar an dealanach. – sgudding [sic] [scudding?] past us now and again like lightning.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Sguil: Bidh an lion beag air a bhiadhadh agus air a ghiùlain ann an sgùil. Gheibh thu sgùil air a deanamh (a) de fhiodh, (b) de chuilc, (c) de chearcaill. Chan fhaca mise sgùil air a deanamh de chearcaill ann an àite ’sam bith eile de’n eilean so ach ann an Sgìre Nis. ’Si as cumanta a tha ann an so.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
sguir (?) an todhar: Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
sgulgaireachd: an uninterested movement from a person, easy osy form of movement. [SLIP: A relaxed, ‘uninterested’ movement.]
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sguman: seòrsa sluasaid leis an togadh tu an sgadan as an taoim do’n bhascaid.
Origin: Geàrrloch (Loch Iubh) [Gairloch (Loch Ewe)]
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
sgunnair: n. ‘scooner’, pl.:bha ~ean a’ tighinn an seo an uair sin ’s ~ean a’ dol air feadh an t-saoghail uile
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Mira Co., Marion Bridge
Category: Word List
sgàite: applied to someone with a good appetite. “A bheil an duine sin sgàite.” Also applied to animals. [NOTES: corrected to ‘sgaite’.]
Location: South Uist, Stoneybridge
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgàth chlach: this was a stone wall built on the outside of the barn next to the aforementioned hole [i.e. feadan (q.v.)]. This wall would be built if the wind was not blowing directly through the hole. This wall was an attempt to guide the wind more directly through the hole in the wall.
Location: South Uist, South Boisdale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgìdein: nn ‘light blow, small effort’, cf. Sc. skite? : ‘bheir ~ dhachaigh an connadh’ [FMMaclellan]; ~ [FMMaclellan] ach nach rudan beag, bìodach? [MM]
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
sgìlleagan: plaster from the contents of an egg, breaking an egg, spilling.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Coltas an Duine / Personal Appearance
sgòdalachd: an article left in a careless attitude or rather left say in a shabby [sic], through a shabby unattended outlook.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgòid: Quot.: “Bha sgòid air an duine ud.” Note: Bha rud a dhìth air an duine ud, e.g. mentally lacking. A person not able to do things properly.
Origin: [Lewis], Arnol
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgòid: Quot.: “Bha sgòid mhór air an aodach aice.” Note: said if there was a piece hanging down from the hem of a coat or skirt.
Origin: [Lewis], Arnol
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgùd: Quotation: “Tha sgùdan dubh air an adhair.” Notes: dark, gloomy cloud.
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Boisdale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgùid: [sɡu̟:dʹ] Quot.: “sgùid an t-sùil”. Note: sheet of a sail.
Location: Harris
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgùil: Bha an sgùil deanta mar seo: cearcall iaruinn agus lìon, agus am biadhadh air sreing ann am meadhon na sgùile. Bha àrc bìdeag an àirde bho an sgùil air sreang a’ bhiadhaidh airson am biadhadh a dheanamh faicsinneach do an ghiomach. Nuair a bhatar a’ tarruing na sgùilean, bha thu ’g a tarruing cho luath agus a dheanadh do làmhan agus do bhodhaig dhuit. Nuair a bha an giomach am broinn na sgùile, agus a bha i air a gluasad bho’n ghrunnd agus air a’ tarruing troimh an fhairge gu cabhagach, bha an giomach ag greimeachadh ris an nì a bh’aige agus cha charaicheadh e, gu’m beireadh am fear-tarruing air. Nam biodh an sgùil air a tarruing slaodach, bha e toirt cothrom do an ghiomach smaoineachadh de bha tachairt, agus an sgùil fhàgail. Chanadh iad na ‘cearcaill’ ann an àiteachan ris an t-seòrsa uidheam-iasgaich-sa. Tha eachdraidh nam ball-sa gu mionaideach aig Niall M’Dhòmhnaill, fear raoin Chùil-fhodair. Cumadh na sgùile: [see illustration]. An sgùil air a’ ghrunnd: [see illustration].

Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Leabhar Deilbh / Drawing Book
sgùil: bascaid anns a bheil an lìon air a càradh.
Origin: Geàrrloch (Loch Iubh) [Gairloch (Loch Ewe)]
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
sgùile: [sɡu̟:lʹə] Note: a net on an iron frame let down into the water, hanging from a stick by strings attached to the rim. For cuddies.
Location: Harris, Quidinish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgùilleach: [sɡu̟:lʹɑx] Quot.: sgùilleach a’ tighinn air tìr air an tràigh. Note: seaweed which drifts in and deposits on the beach.
Origin: Carloway, Doune
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgùradh: Na’s truime na ciutharanaich [q.v]. Là de’n t-seòrsa, thig an t-uisge mìn nas truime. An uair sin aotromaichidh e. A rithist thig e na’s truime agus trom. ’Se ‘sgùraidhean’ a chanas sinne ris na frasan sin. (Ma’s e frasan a th’ann.)
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sgùrr: Quot.: “sgùrraidhean dorch a’ tighinn air an adhair”. “Tha i tighinn na sgùrraidhean.” Note: heavy clouds.
Origin: Ness
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
shadhadh: retaliating, retaliating for an injury, in speech…
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
shin: deictic pron. : ~ an dòigh; shin agad fear [FMM
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
shirc: smallest drop. Cha do dhol [sic] e shirc an diugh.
Location: South Uist, Bornish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Sia sreangan chun an lin no chun na bascaid: ’S ann am bascaid sgadanach a bhios an lion mor air a’ reiteach gus a chur. Tha piosan àrca air an leigeil am beul na bascaid gus an càirear da dubhain annta. Tha an lion ga bhiadhadh mar a bhios iad ga chur a mach as an eathar. ’Se leth sgadain no sgadan beag slan am biadhadh mar as trice, ach tha gibnich anabarrach tarraingeach air an iasg, gu h-àraidh an langainn.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
siabadh (m): cur am [sic] mach driamlaich [q.v.] leis an t-slait. “Is math a shiabas e.” Chuala mi tric e ach cha chluinn an diugh ach ‘castadh’. [NOTES: the slip has ‘cur a mach’.]
Origin: Geàrrloch (Loch Iubh) [Gairloch (Loch Ewe)]
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
siabhan: [ʃiɑvɑṉ] Note: a sheep which has strayed and found perhaps on another township’s pasture or in its fank. Also: “Tha i air an t-siabhan” or “Chaidh i air an t-siabhan”. (“Siabhan” and “conadal” [q.v.] different in meaning – from two different points of view.)
Origin: [Lewis], Arnol
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
siabhan: Quotation: Tha a’ chaora air an t-siabhan. Notes: The sheep has strayed from its usual pasture.
Location: Lewis, Barvas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
siabhan: [ʃiɑvɑṉ] Quot.: “caora air an t-siabhan”. Note: a stray.
Origin: Uig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
siacail: [ʃıɑkəl] Quot.: “Fosgail an dorus gus a’ siacail a cheò.” Note: Open the door until the smoke disperses. (a’ siacladh)
Origin: [Ness]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
siacladh: [ʃıɑkɫəɣ] Quot.: “Tha e a’ deanamh siacladh an dràsda.” Note: a semi-dry interval in a period of rain.
Location: Lewis, Uig, Crowlista
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
siad: Note: ’S e smior an t-seòid a th’ann. ’S e ’n droch shiad a th’ann.
Origin: Swainbost
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sialtag: An odd one, ’s mar sin. Dòmhnull: “An robh an t-iasgach gu math an raoir?” Tarmod: “Bha na h-uibhir de chudaigean ann, agus an dràsda ’s a rithist thigeadh sialtag de shaoithean.” Agus saoilidh mi gur h-e fear no tè nach biodh glé mhath a bhiodh air a chiallachadh le ‘sialtag’.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
siamachadh: (Eochdar) selecting. Tha mi siamachadh an iomaire seo airson buntata a chur ann.
Location: South Uist, Bornish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
siaman: a string hung inside, stretched for hanging clothes on to dry. Cuir air an t-siaman iad.
Location: [Harris], Scalpaigh [Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
siamanachadh an taighe: securing the thatch with heather ropes.
Location: North Uist, Carinish, Trianaid House
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
siantaich: [ʃĩɤ̃n̪t̪iç] Quot.: “C’àite an robh thu? Tha do bhiadh a’ siantachadh air an teine.” Note: drying up and deteriorating.
Origin: [Lewis], Arnol
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
siap: Quotation: a’ siapadh leis an t-slat. Notes: action of pulling the rod over the shoulder.
Location: Ross-shire, Aultbea
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Siaplaich: Slaodadh na ‘flies’ air do shocair troimh’n uisge le do shlait air a’ chreig. Bidh cuideam beag luaidhe air an driamlach os cionn na ‘flies’. Tha thu a’ tilgeil a chuideam so a mach cho fada ’sa leigeas an dragh leat is ga shiaplaich a steach air do shocair gu bun na creige.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
Siaraigeadh: Nuair a thig aon iasg air na ‘flies’ tha thu ga siaplaich bho thaobh gu taobh dhiot gun an togail as a’ mhuir gu faic thu an greimich an còrr ort. Mar as trice nuair a ghreimicheas aon iasg tha e dualtach do thuilleadh a leantuinn is faodaidh tu lan na ‘flies’ fhaighinn le siaraigeadh mus tog thu as an uisge iad.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
siataig: Quotation: an t-siataig. Notes: rheumatism.
Origin: Bunloit
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
siathamh: ord. num. ‘sixth’: agus sin agad (an] ~ agus deich air fhichead caora
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
sic (f): a snatch; thug an cù sic air.
Origin: [Strathglass]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sichd: aghaidh nach ann air tha an aghaidh, sichd (cheek [?]).
Location: Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sigeann: [ʃiɡʹən̪] Quotation: duine gun sigeann. Notes: an unpleasant man.
Origin: Islay, Ballygrant
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sil: Quotation: “Sil, séid agus frois!” Notes: an expression of hopelessness. As if to say, “nothing can be done now”.
Origin: Port Wemyss
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sil: vb ‘drip’ : vbl nn: bhiodh an t-sròn agamsa ‘ ~eadh cho gàbhaidh
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
silc: a drop. An tug thu bainne o’n bhoin: cha tug silc.
Location: Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
silidh: an extra seat at the back or front of a boat.
Location: South Uist, Daliburgh
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
silteach: Quotation: Bha an t-aimsir car fuar agus silteach. Notes: wet.
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Irish Cove
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
simileir fosgailte: an open fire with no grate.
Location: North Uist, Sollas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
similidh: to leave someone without a word to say for himself, to quiesce [sic]. “Tha iad gu math similidh an diugh.”
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
simleir: n. ‘chimney’: toit an t-~ [əɲ ʧhɪmlær´];
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
sin: Quotation: Chaidh ar togail an tin [dʒin].
Origin: Loch Tay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Sine: Name: Jane. Equivalents: Jean; Janie and Janet or Jessie (Zetland); Sheena (Lewis and Skye). Note: In Zetland Janie may mean Jane, Jean, Janet or Jessie. An old woman “Janie” may have been either Jane or Janet at birth.
Category: Ainmean Pearsanta Bhoireannach / Female Personal Names
siol: Quotation: Toll an t-sìl. Notes: opening on the underside of a fish through which it spawns.
Origin: North Uist
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
siol: fry. Siol an sgadain.
Location: [Harris], Scalpaigh [Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
siol: Quotation: deireadh an t-sìl. Notes: very poor seed which rose to the top when using the criathar. Lifted off with the hands.
Location: Skye, Staffin
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
siola: siola na h-easgainn. Part of the entrails of an eel. From siol.
Location: Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
siola na h-easgainn: the melt or roe of the eel. ‘Chan eil duine riamh a chunnaic siola na h-easgainn,’ I once heard an old fisherman say.
Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
siola-na-h-easgainn: Entrails of an eel. The spawning part in particular. The earliest form of cure.
Disease: rheumatism. Part used: spawning part. How prepared: freshly applied. Sources of
information: traditionally.
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Blàthan-Leighis / Medicinal Plants
siolcair: [ˈʃu̜ɫkɑð] Note: truthair. Gàirdean an t-siolcair cho strìtheil ri sìneadh gu eucoir.
Origin: Swainbost
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
siolla: a quarter bottle. I think this is an elaboration on the original meaning of ‘siolla’ – a gill.
Location: Eriskay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
siollag: equivalent of ‘dàir’ in cows. Desire for mating. “Bha siollag air an làir.” [NOTES: corrected to ‘sìolag’.]
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
siolpan: maide goirid leis an toireadh tu frathadh air sguaib (gun ach beagan sìl a thoirt dhith).
Origin: Geàrrloch (Loch Iubh) [Gairloch (Loch Ewe)]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
siomal: not an iota of a difference as: gun siomal a dh’atharrachadh (Harris expression).
Location: Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sioman: ròpa air a dheanamh air muran na fraoch air a shniomh na dhà na trì duail air a cheile. Sann de’n t-sioman a bha an t-seann iris daonnan.
Origin: [Taransay]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
siompair: Notes: Maide bh’air a chleachdadh gu bhi putadh sios buntata a bhiodh air stad ann an amhach beathaich.
Origin: Kilmaluag
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sionnachan: Quotation: Tha mi a’ faicinn sgadan air an t-sionnachan. Notes: phosphorescence. The herring would leave a trail through it. Identified as herring on account of the density of the streaks.
Location: Ross-shire, Aultbea
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sionnachan: (Fuaimnich mar ‘Donnchadh’.) “Coinneach agus sionnchan [sic] an duine-dhuibh aige le baighsagail.” Sion an duine-dhuibh air.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Siopaig no siopaigeadh: ’Se iasg air a shiopaigeadh a chanar ri iasg a theid a ghlacadh gun an dubhan ’na bheul. Tha e deiseil an nis air son a bhiathadh as ùr.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
siorram-siùid: Quotation: Tha siorram-siùid air an duine sin a tha eagalach. Notes: of an exceptionally talkative person.
Location: Tiree, [Caolas? – one slip]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sir: Quotation: Na tri nithean a thig gun shireadh: an gaol, [ənʹtʹʃe:d̪ɑx] agus an [tʹʃɛɾəɣ].
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sith: Quotation: sitheadh runnach, sitheadh ròn, sitheadh na muca-mara mór, ach giomach beag nan casan cama, bheir e rudha thar an t-sròn.
Origin: Islay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sitig: Quotation: Tha e a muigh air an t-sitig an aiteigin. Notes: He’s away out somewhere. Also used for hollows among shingle (or sand?) where a person deposited seaweed.
Location: Lewis, Barvas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sitrich: [ʃit̪əɾiç] Quotation: Tha an each a’ sitrich. Notes: neighing. Sitrich (n): a neigh.
Origin: Glenurquhart
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
siubhal: Quotation: Bha siubhal sith aice. Notes: some were supposed to have this power. If one glanced away for a very short time from looking at such a person and then looked again, they seemed to have covered an incredible distance for such a short time.
Location: Skye, Breakish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
siubhal: Quotation: an iarunn siubhail. Notes: the iron hook on the axle of the spinning wheel.
Origin: North Uist
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
siubhal: Quotation: Pòs an Éirinn, agus siubhail an Ìle. Notes: “Alba” usually instead of “Ìle”. Local version.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
siubhal: nn : pl.: siubhlachan ‘horse’s traces’: bha mi ‘ smuaineachadh gu robh iarann no rudeigin an ceangal le siubhlaichean __ an eich ‘s e ‘ bualadh
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
siubhal: vb ‘travel’ : past: sh. [u] e ‘ saoghal air na soithichean ‘s dhèanadh e òran, sh. e an saoghal; vbl nn: bha iad ‘ ~ [ʃi font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;.w əʁ̫]; agus bhiodh iad a’
~ air son an duine
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
siurraireachd: [ʃurəðɑxk] Quot.: “Tha thu ann a’ sin a’ siurraireachd nan tighean fad an latha.” Note: used of a woman who is always in and out of houses.
Location: [Lewis], S. Lochs, Gravir
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
siùla: [ʃu̜:ɫə] Quot.: “Thug mi an t-siùl as an eathar.” Note: plug in the bottom of a boat.
Location: Harris, Quidinish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
slabhcan: [sɫɑu̟xkɑṉ] Quotation: An gabh thu slabhcan? Notes: black, dulse-like seaweed boiled with oatmeal.
Location: Tiree, Heylipool [sic]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
slabustar: a large amount, e.g. “Seall thusa an slabustar a dh’ith an duine sin.” Usually associated with avarice and greed.
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
slacan: Quot.: “slacan bean an tighe”. Note: referring to tongs.
Origin: Caversta
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
slachdan: a type of rolling pin rounded at the bottom for mashing potatoes. Slachdan an laimh òinsich – any dangerous instrument.
Origin: Barra
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
sladhag (-an pl.): any size.
Origin: [Barra]
Category: Sìde / Weather
slaic: badly hurt by someone with an instrument, etc. or a piece of wood falling, anything causing a hurt.
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
slaitseagadh: throwing about in an any old way fashion items or move about work by throwing things all over the place. [SLIP: To throw things about in haphazard fashion.]
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
slamair: [sɫɑməð] Note: used of an old boot. “Seann slamair de bhròg.”
Origin: Carloway, Doune
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
slaod: vb ‘drag’ : vbl nn: an t-slabhraidh __ a’ ~adh leis
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
slaodach: Quotation: an t-slaodach. Notes: long, yellowish-brown seaweed with bubbles on it.
Location: Ross-shire, Poolewe, Londubh
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Slaopadh: Ga chur gu feum cha teid ach slaopadh a dheanamh air a’ mhaorach. Nuair a bhlathaicheas e anns an t-slige air an teine cho luath as urrainn dhuit am biadh a chur as an t-slige le bruthadh bho t-òrdaig mhóir, tha e slaoipte is deas gus a chur air an dubhan anns an sguil no a thoirt leat chun a’ chreagaich. Ma leigeas tu goil leis tha am biadh a’ dol cruaidh is gun fheum airson iasgach leis.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
slaopt: [sɫw:pt] Quot.: “Tha i slaopt an diugh.” Note: said of a very warm, oppressive day.
Origin: [Lewis], Arnol
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
slat an tairbh: the penis.
Origin: Leodhas [Lewis], Uig
Category: Crodh / Cattle
slat thomhais: Quotations: an t-slat thomhais. Notes: constellation in form of a line.
Origin: Skye
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
slat-bhiathaidh (I): Slat a bhiodh iad fhéin a’ deanamh. Tè bheag, ghoirid airson a bhith ’g oibreachadh le biathadh. An cumantas dà phìos anns an t-slait: am bun, am bàrr.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
slat-druimeanaich: fishing rod of a branch off the alder tree. [SLIP: Fishing rod made from an alder branch.]
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sleigh: nn f. ‘sleigh’ : dat.: seventy-five miles air sleighidh [sle-iç]; pl.:chaidh mise a thoirt ar cùl ~eachan, chaidh mise … ann an ~eachan
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
sliabh: Rocky an stony ground where cattle graze. “Common grazing”.
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
sliabh: far a bheil feur fada a fas am measg an fhraoich.
Location: Na Hearadh [Harris], Cluer
Category: Cruth na Tìre / Landscape Features
sliabh: moorland grass. Canach an t-sléibh.
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sliabh (E): Seadh anns an can sinn ‘sliabh’. Talamh an taobh a muigh do’n talamh àiteach agus a tha air fàs fiadhaich no talamh fiadhaich no air fàs fiadhaich an àite sam bith, canaidh, no chanadh, sinn uime “tha e dìreach ’na shliabh”. Am facail ‘sliabh’ fhéin chan eil e againn ach dìreach nuair a bhios fìor fheum air.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Cruth na Tìre / Landscape Features
sliabh mònach: peat moor. Air an t-shleibh-mhònach - out tending the peat.
Origin: Leódhas, An Rudha [Lewis, Rudha]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
sliasaid: Quotation: an t-sliasaid [əntliiəsɪtʹ]. Notes: front of thigh.
Location: Ross of Mull
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
slibheag (f): Quotation: a’ cur a’ bhuntàta leis an t-slibheig. Notes: with stick (hand-drill?).
Location: Harris, Ardhasaig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
slig(e) an amadain: the spleen.
Location: North Uist, Tigharry
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
slige: Quotation: slige ugh. Notes: shell of an egg. “Spealg” in Barvas.
Origin: North Uist
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
slige: Quotation: slig’ an amadain. Notes: The pancreas. (?)
Origin: North Uist
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
slige an amadain: Location: Na Hearadh, Gòbhaig [Harris, Gobhaig]
Category: Crodh / Cattle
sliochd: Quotation: sliochd an teinntein. Notes: slab in front of the fire. Formerly a slab of slate.
Origin: Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
slios (E): Slios na beinne. A taobh air a fhad gu h-àraid, agus air a leud mar an ceudna. Cha chuala mi a riamh air a chleachdadh ‘slios a’ chnuic’.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Cruth na Tìre / Landscape Features
sliosbhaladh: to make an indirect reference to something.
Location: North Uist, Tigharry
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
slip: Quotation: an t slip iosal [ədɪli̜b̥iiʃəɫ]. Notes: lower lip. [NOTES: slipped under ‘sliop’.]
Location: Ross of Mull
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
slip: the trail left by an otter. Tha i fagail slip as a deigh. Grass being combed with a sort of phlegm substance or likeness by the movement of her body close to the ground, touching the ground.
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
slip-slap: as of a person soaked in the rain. Bha slip-slap aig air an làr. – his boots full of water making sound immitable [sic]: slip-slap.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sliuchaidh: the fine, green, slippery seaweed on rocks. Especially on Western seaboard: “an tonn a cireadh an t-sliuchaidh”.
Location: [Lewis], Ness
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sliuchdadan: ni air a thilgeal pios de sglart [?] (slate) gu bhi srucadh air uachdar na mara neo air an uisge.
Location: Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sloc: Sloc buntàta. Sloc a bhithist a’ deanamh anns an talamh airson gleidheadh a’ bhuntàta. Thatar ’g an deanamh fhathast, cuideachd.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sloc: nn ‘pit’ : ann an ~ da dh'àite-s (?)
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
sloc sàbhaidh: this was the place where two men would cut large beams of wood. The wood would be placed across a stone wall. Then on each side there was an indentation in the ground where each made [sic] [man?] stood, so as not to move when they were sawing the wood. Ensured that it was a reasonably straight cut.
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
slopan: dangling fat; or loose flabby flesh dangling underneath the mouth of an extra fat person. Slopan ris an sgòrnan aige.
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sluagh: Quotation: an sluagh. Notes: congregation.
Origin: Islay, Ballygrant
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sluasaid: Quotation: an t-sluasaid bhrachaidh. Notes: long-handled wooden shovel used to shift the grain on the malt floors.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
slubaiste (n): mixture of a soft ingredient, soft mixture. Dé an slubaiste tha agad air an lianaidh.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
slug an amadain: a red ‘sporran’ attached to maodal.
Location: Harris, Ardvey
Category: Biadh is Deoch / Food and Drink
slug an amadain: gullet.
Location: [Harris], Leverburgh, Kintulavaig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
slugadh an t-sùlaire: the swallowing of the solan goose (lit.).
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Coltas an Duine / Personal Appearance
slugan: taking more than what is considered. Nach ann aige tha slugan. – (‘pre-noted’) gullet. ’S anns an t-slugadh a tha e…
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sluig: vb ‘swallow’: vbl nn: an talamh ga shluigsinn [ka ʁ̫̻uk´ʃin] sìos
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
sluigeil: Bha againn ‘sluigeil’. “Chan eil i a’ sluigeil.” “Chan eil i a’ sluigeil ceart.” Mur a biodh am bann-beag ’s mar sin air an cur ’s an t-suidheachadh cheart, cha shluigeadh a’ chuibhle ceart, no cha shluigeadh i idir.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Obair na Clòimhe / Wool-Working
slup: slip, slip away. Thug iad am bata gu’n t-slup, air an t-slup.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
slupraich: An t-slupraich as fheàrr as aithne dhomh, ’s e each ag obair air siol ann am peile. Ag ithe ’s ag òl.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
slàinte: nn f. ‘health’ : tha si’ pèin a’ faighinn ur ~ math; a bheil a chuile duine a’ faighinn an ~?
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
slàn: adj. ‘hail, healthy’: ‘~ dhut! tha mi ’n dòchas gum bi thu ~, fallain’, no nuair a tha duine a’ fàgail; feadhain aca fhèin tàire mhòr a’ togail an teaghlaich, feadhain nach robh ~
cha robh chuile duine cho ~
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Mira Co., Marion Bridge
Category: Word List
slàpair: [sɫɑ:pəð] Note: Bithidh a bhus as a pholl. Chaneil nì ris a suath e nach tig tuar an t-salachair air.
Origin: Swainbost
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sléiteach: Quot.: “Tha an coirce ’na shléitich.” Note: flat on the ground. “Sléiteach” also said to be an illness in cattle. Not sure what it was.
Origin: Crowlista
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
slóan: slow person. I remember hearing this word used by a lady years ago: ‘Bu tu an slóan’ in connection with a slow worker. (Perhaps invented.)
Location: [Harris], Scalpaigh [Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
smaoinich: vb ‘think’ : vbl nn: an t-àm a bhios e ‘ smaoineach’ [= -eachadh]
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
smeachan an iaruinn: the foot rest on the [peat] iron.
Origin: Eileanaich [natives of Lewis]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
smeallamus: a good thing of any description. “An cat a’ glanadh aodann is duil aige ri smeallamus.”
Location: Harris, Sgarastamhor
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
smearach: strapping, strong. “’S tu a bheireadh an deagh smearach gille.”
Location: South Uist, Lochcarnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
smiorcadh: [smw̃ɾku̜] Quotation: Chaneil smiorcadh aig an duine sin. Notes: sense.
Location: Sutherland, Kinlochbervie, Oldshoremore
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
smiotadh: [smĩt̪əɣ] Quot.: an cat a’ smiotadh. Note: blowing through its nose. Can also be used of humans doing the same.
Origin: Carloway, Doune
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
smob: Iseabail: “Bha Pèigi Mhór a’ feitheamh ri dhol a dh’obair do an tigh-mhór, agus dùil aice nach deanadh iad a chùis as a h-aonais. Ach ’s ann a fhuair i bhuapa nach biodh iad ’ga h-iarraidh.” Màiri: “Nach i a fhuair an smob.”
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
smodaig: used of an attractive, handsome man.
Location: Barra, Eoligarry
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
smorrach (-an): a lump of a lad.
Location: Skye
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
smugaileir: nn ‘smuggler’ : an ann don a’ ~ a tha seo?; tha mi ‘ gràdhainn (?) riut nach tàinig sin far bòrd ~ [smɤkəlæŕ] riamh
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
smuig: nose of an animal.
Location: [Harris], Leverburgh, Kintulavaig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
smuig: uisg’ as an t-sròin. Bha smuig as an t-sròin aice, neo aige.
Location: Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
smuiseal: an iron board on a plough. Could be adjusted according to the amount of turf required on the blade.
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
smuiseal: Chan fhaca mi smuiseal an diugh. – I didn’t see anyone today.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
smuiseal (m), smuisealan (pl): hooking device between “druim a’ chruinn” [q.v.] and “an tarraing” [q.v.].
Origin: Tiree
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
smusail: Quotation: an smusail [əsmuʃɑ˖ɫ]. Notes: the height and width adjuster on a master tree. [NOTES: slipped under ‘smuiseal’.]
Location: Ross of Mull
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
smàglach: an amount of seaweed which you can lift on a graip (gràpa). Could also mean an amount of hay lifted on a pitch fork used at harvest time – “Cuir smàglach neo dhà eile air a’ chairt.”
Location: North Uist, Grimsay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
smàglach: a full fork load of hay or seaweed. “A bheil gu leor agad shuas an sin?” “Cuir a nuas smàglach neo dhà eile.”
Location: North Uist, Lochportan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
smàilleag: [smɑ̃:lʹɑɡ] Quotation: “Chaneil smàilleag aig an duine sin.” Notes: sense.
Location: Sutherland, Kinlochbervie, Oldshoremore
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
smàl: Quotation: a’ smàladh an teine. Notes: bank up the fire at night. Barvas: “a’ tasgadh an teine” or “a’ cuir tasgadh dhan an teine”.
Origin: North Uist
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
smàl: Quotation: a’ smàladh an gealbhan. Notes: covering up the fire.
Origin: Port Wemyss
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
smàladh: Quotation: “smàladh an teine”. Notes: same as “tasgadh” in Lewis.
Location: Craignish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
smàladh: Quotation: Cuir smàladh air an teine.
Origin: Tiree
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
smàladh: Quotation: a’ smàladh an teine. Notes: banking the fire.
Location: Ross-shire, Dornie, Morvich
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
smàladh: Quotation: a’ smaladh [sic] an teine. Notes: banking the fire.
Location: Coll, Sorrisdale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
smóraigeadh: Notes: fumigating the house after the occurrence of an infectious disease.
Location: Lewis, Barvas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
smùid: Fo bhuaidh an uisge-bheatha. Fo bhuaidh deoch-làidir. “Bha smùid air.” “Bha smùid mhath air.” An cumantas is ann toilichte bhios duine nuair a chanas sinn gu bheil smùid air. Nuair nach ann toilichte a bhitheas e ’se a chanas sinn: “Bha an deoch air.”
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
smùid: at an extra working pace as: Smùid aige le sùist air an arbhar.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
smùid: (also) drunk, intoxicated. Ghabh e smùid ann an dé. (Scalpay)
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
snab: an end, or fragment.
Origin: [Strathglass]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
snagail: Quotation: fiaclan a’ snagail leis an fhuachd.
Origin: Tiree
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
snaidheadh: Quotation: Nach i tha snaidheadh ris an uair. Notes: cutting it fine.
Origin: [North Uist?]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
snaidhm-an-acaire: Note: fisherman’s bend – used on anchors, also on driftnets when “beartachadh a lìn”.
Location: Harris
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
snaidhmlich: Quotation: Bha na h-easgainn bheaga air an snaidhmleadh air dubhan airson fuaidreag a dheanamh. Notes: string or thread wound round the two.
Location: Skye, Kilmuir
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
snaighichean: Quotation: snaighichean an fhiodh. Notes: with hard wood if a splinter is pulled it runs straight. Thread in wood.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
snaile: dùis, muinne an am pàirt deth Leodhas.
Location: Na Hearadh, Gòbhaig [Harris, Gobhaig]
Category: Biadh is Deoch / Food and Drink
snaim-ceangail: point of attachment of one piece of netting to another, a rope and an eye.
Location: [Harris], Scalpay
Category: Iasgach an Sgadain / Herring-Fishing
snaod: a trail left on the water’s surface by an otter as it crosses a loch. Apart from its nose, which leaves this trail, the rest of an otter’s body is submerged. “Snaod na biast dhubh.”
Location: South Uist, Bornish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
snaodh: [sn̪w̃:ɣ] Quotation: Bha snaodh mór ann an sud. Notes: a lot of people, a throng.
Location: Romasdal
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
snaoth: [sn̪w̃:] Quotation: an t-snaoth. Notes: funeral bier.
Location: Skye, Harlosh
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
snasaich: Quotation: Shnasaich e an dà mhaide ri a chéile. Notes: two pieces of wood morticed together.
Location: Ross-shire, Achiltibuie, Alltan Dubh
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
snathad an duine mhairbh: skeleton.
Location: South Uist, Stoneybridge
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
snathad lion: an earmark. Same shape as the needle used to mend nets.
Location: South Uist, South Lochboisdale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sneachd: Quotation: Tha e a’ spianadh an t-sneachd. Notes: snow falling very lightly and sparsely.
Location: Skye, Breakish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sneachd: snow. A cur an t-sneachd (pron. “–treachd”).
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sneachda an cothrom: snow spread evenly over a district, e.g. all of South Uist.
Location: South Uist, Bornish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sneic: [sṉɛ̃çc] Notes: door lock. An iron lever goes through a hole in the door. When one end is pressed down the other end lifts another strip of iron up out of its socket on the door post. It swivels on the other end which is fixed to the door.
Origin: Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sniamh: twisting a cartilage of muscle. Insides of an eel put in a bandage to make a poultice. This cure applied to animals and humans.
Location: South Uist, Iochdar, Ardivachar
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
snighe: Quotation: an t-snighe. Notes: the water coming through the thatch of a blackhouse.
Origin: North Uist
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
snighe: Quotation: an t-snighe dhubh. Notes: drip through the roof in thatched houses.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
snighe: Quotation: an t-snighe dhubh. Notes: drip from the roof in the old thatched houses.
Origin: Islay, Ballygrant
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sniogastaireachd: Aig tigh Choinnich an còmhnuidh bhiodh gliogadaich le òrd no le rudeigin de’n t-seòrsa. Bhiodh Coinneach a’ dèanamh rudeigin no ri càradh rudeigin. Bhiodh Coinneach an còmhnuidh a’ sniogastaireachd.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
snàdhla: a woollen rope. Knots were tied in this rope and each knot was accompanied by a prayer. When the rope had been completed this was hung on an animal’s tail, which was supposed to banish the illness from which it was suffering.
Location: South Uist, South Boisdale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
snàgaileadh (m): an suaineadh snàtha leis an robh thu cur an dubhain ris an t-snòd.
Origin: Geàrrloch (Loch Iubh) [Gairloch (Loch Ewe)]
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
snàithlein: n. ‘thread’: bha sin [aon òran] a’ falbh leis an t-~
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
snàithlein: nn ‘thread, cord’ : ~ an t-siachaidh ‘charm for sprain’
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
snàithnean-riaghailt: Notes: guiding stitches to keep an article in shape.
Origin: Skye
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
snàth: Quotation: an t-snàth. Notes: Used of a herring-net by Neil MacLeod (Kershader). Not in Dw.
Location: Lewis
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
snàthad: Quotation: an t-snàthad. Notes: the pin fixing the shafts to the box of the cart.
Origin: North Uist
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
snàthalain: a sort of ritual performed when an animal was ill. A woollen rope was made by a woman who was known to have mystical powers. As this rope was constructed, knots were tied in it, with the backdrop of prayers being shouted aloud. These women were known to have been physically sick during this ritual and many were known to have fainted. When completed this knotted rope was attached to the animal’s tail and thereafter the illness would be cured. This was fervently believed in, although you could never be one hundred percent sure it was actually responsible for the replenishment of health.
Location: Eriskay, Taobh na Mara
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
snàthlus: a thin leaf boiled with fresh butter and wax to give it a solidified state. Used as an ointment for cuts.
Location: Eriskay, Na Hann [Haun]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
snòta (I): ’Se snòta sreinge a bhiodh air an lìon-mhór.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
snòta (I): An dà sheorsa aca: lìon-beag le snòtaichean gaoisde agus lìon-beag le snòtaichean sreinge. Cho fada agus is aithne dhomh ’se na snòtaichean gaoisde a b’fheàrr a dheanadh iasgach. Ach bha iad na b’fhasa do an bhioraich (I) an gearradh.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
Snòtaichean: Tha ceithir piosan anns gach snota: (1) An toinneamh. (2) An calp. (3) Snòta gaoisd gheal is dubh. (4) Dubhan. An diugh gheibh thu snòta ‘nylon’ leis an dubhan oirre anns a’ bhùth an aite snòta gaoisde, gus a ceangal ris a’ chalp.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
sobhrag(an): [ʃo:rɑ̟ɡ̊]
Location: Mull [see below for details]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
soc: gob a tha dol fo an sgriob.
Location: Na Hearadh [Harris], Finsbay
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
socair: nn ‘ease, steady pace’ : dh'fhalbh an gille air a sh.
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
socharach: Quotation: Is miosa an t-socharach na mheàrla. Notes: The man who is easily led would be liable to give everything away.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sodal: [sɔd̪əɫ] Quotation: Rinn an cù sodal rium nuair a thàinig mi. Notes: It showed pleasure by making a fuss.
Origin: Bunloit
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sodarra: Quotation: Tha a ghaoth ag eirigh. Bi e gu math sodarra anns an t-eilein an diugh.
Origin: Kilmaluag
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sogan: used when someone is in good fettle. “Bha sogan math air an diugh.”
Location: North Uist, Sollas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
soillsich: vb ‘shine’ : cond.:chunna mise cù againn fhìn agus shoillsicheadh an dealanach air an druim aige
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
soireghas (-ach): windy and rainy weather. “Tha coltas soireghasach orra an diugh.”
Location: South Uist, Daliburgh
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
soirgheas: used to describe windy conditions. “Nach ann a tha soirgheas gaoithe an diugh.”
Location: Barra, Ard Mhinish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
soisdeir: Seo facal a bhiodh aig na bodaich thall againne mu dhuine a bhiodh an còmhnuidh aig gnothaichean soisgeil gu h-àraid a’ teagaisg. A’ teagaisg a h-uile cothrom a gheibheadh e. Soisdeir siod, ’s soisdeir seo, chanadh iad. Is ann aig na bodaich nach biodh cho cràbhach a bhiodh am facal ‘soisdeir’ ’ga chleachdadh.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
soitheach: Quotation: soitheach an laoigh; soitheach an t-searraich. Notes: womb.
Origin: Tiree
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
soitheach: Quotation: soitheach an laoidh [söʔəxəlʹööç]. Notes: the womb.
Location: Ross of Mull
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Soitheach an Uisge Choisrigte: Holy Water dish.
Location: South Uist, Daliburgh
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
soitheach-bòrd-air-oir (I): Dèanta de bhòrd fiodha agus druim oirre. Luaidhe airson cudthrom, ceangailte ris an druim air a neo air a leigeil a steach do an druim. Bho a taobh, bho a toiseach gu a deireadh:

Origin: Leodhas [Lewis], Uig
Category: Cur-seachadan: Dèideagan, Geamaichean is Farpaisean / Recreation: Toys, Games, Contests
solaraich: Quotation: Feumaidh an duine ud solaradh airson a theaghlach. Notes: earn, procure by hard work.
Location: Skye, Portree
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
solast: nn ‘light’ : pl.: cha robh solaist an uair sin aca; ~ ùr ‘the moon’: tha mi ' coimhead air an t-solast ùr a-mach an seo; dh’innseadh i chuile àm a bha an ~ a’ tighinn a-staigh sna
mionaidean ‘s sna seconds:
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
sollais: [soɫɑʃ] Quotation: Rinn e sollais air an fheòil. Notes: He ate a lot of meat, more than he would normally have eaten.
Location: Lewis, Barvas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Some ropework terms: 1. Am mathair-shioman. 2. Na criosan. 3. Sioman gualainn. 4. An sioman dróma. 6. An t-àrd doras. 7. Bùna-baca. [NOTES: see below for definitions.]
Location: [Tiree, Scarinish]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
sosgaidh: healing, e.g. “An sosgaidh tròm” – the difficult/heavy healing.
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sotal (sic): [sɔt̪ɑɫ] Quotation: Rinn an cù sotal rium. Notes: adj. sotalach [sɔt̪ɑɫɑx]. Sodal.
Location: Tiree, Caolis
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sothidh: quiet, peaceable (of an animal).
Location: Inverness
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
spaid: Mar ’san toirbhsgear: cas agus ceann (an dà phàirt mhór) – dul na spaide – lurga na spaide – cluaisean na spaide – oisean na spaide. Toirbhsgear agus spaid, an dà uineal a bh’air a chleachdadh againne ri buain na mònach. Cha do rug an caibe-làir no a leithid sin òirnne.

Origin: [Lewis, Uig]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
spaid (f): an Uibhist cha chleachdar spaid ach san feannadh no glanadh, ach am badan dhe na Hearadh bidh iad a’ buain leis an spaid.
Origin: Uibhist-a-Tuath [North Uist]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
spaid mhór: rutting spade. A’ chrois. A’ chas. An t-osan. A’ chluas. Ceann na spaid.
Origin: Tiree
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
spaid rùsgaidh: an ordinary garden spade sharpened and its blade shortened usually by usage.

Origin: Leódhas, An Rudha [Lewis, Rudha]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
spar-fheannaig: Quotation: An spar-fheannaig. Notes: rope securing thatch goes round the “spar-fheannaig”.
Origin: North Uist
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sparsal (E): [NOTES: slipped.] Nuair a bhiodh iad air eudomhain, gus nach biodh am buidhe-ròp ’na riap air uachdar na fairge, bhiodh iad a’ cur ceangal air airson giorrachadh. ’Se sparsal a bh’ aca air an seo. “Cuiridh sinn sparsal air.”
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
spatò: dandy, well dressed. I used to hear this word from an old lady, now deceased. She used to say: Nach bu tu ’n spatò ’n diugh, abair spatò! [SLIP: Dandy; a well-dressed person. (rare now)]
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
speach: an objectionable, angry woman.
Location: South Uist, South Boisdale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
spealg: Quotation: ’S e spealg dheth fhéin a sgoltas an darach.
Location: Skye, Breakish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Spealltrag: Sgadan air a ghlanadh is a sgoltadh sios am broinn is an cnaimh air a thoirt as. Bidh iad so air an tiormachadh gus an ròsdadh. Faodar cuideachd cuid mar so a chur ann an salainn ann am miodar is tha iad blasda leis a’ bhuntàta ùr.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
spearchal: rustling, scratching sound made by a mouse. “Luch a’ spearchal thall an sud.”
Location: South Uist, Stoneybridge
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
spearrach: fetters. Bha seo (chan eil e dol an diugh idir cho fada ’s is aithne dhomh) air a chur eadar cas-chinn agus cas-dheiridh, mar seo:

Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
spearrach (Cha chreid mi nach robh an dà chuid againn E agus I.): Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Crodh / Cattle
speilbheis: Quotation: Nach ann annad a tha an speilbheis. Notes: “duine bhiodh fadalach ag ithe”.
Location: North Uist
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
speilbheis: duine bhiodh fadalach ag ithe. Nach ann annad a tha an speilbheis.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
speilean: [spelɑ̃ṉ] Quot.: “a’ cluich speilean”. Note: A game somewhat akin to rounders. A small hollow was made in the ground and a line drawn about 15 yards from it. The apparatus consisted of a ball or cork float (usually the latter), a stick about 9" long (speilean) and a bat like a putter bat (caman) – a flat board about 1 ft long and about 5" wide with a handle attached. Two opposing teams were chosen by two captains. The first side to “bat” was chosen by drawing lots (a’ cur crann). The other team was spread out behind the line, as “fielders”. The “speilean” was put into the hollow at an angle with one end sticking up and the cork float lying on the end in the hollow. The first to bat would shout “Ready?” The other team would say “Tha” and the batter would strike down the protruding end of the “speilean”, causing the cork to be ejected into the air. The batter would then hit it as far as he could. If the cork was caught by a member of the opposing team before it hit the ground, he was out and the next member of the team batted until all were out. If it is not caught the first fielder to reach it gives the batter a “fair” [fɛ:əɾ], throwing it to him so that he can strike it again. If it is caught, he is out. If not, the first fielder to get it rolls it from that spot trying to get it into the hole or as near as possible. This is called “a’ spìocadh” [spi:kəɣ]. If it is holed or comes to rest within a bat’s length of the hole, the batter is out. If it is outside this range, the distance from the hole is measured in bat lengths, the number of lengths being the number of points scored by that player. He carries on until he’s out, then the rest of the team bat in turn until all are out. The other team then bat and all the points totted up, the winner being the side with the highest points.
Location: Harris, Quidinish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
speilipan: See attached slip. [NOTES: the following copied from the attached piece of paper.] L – Lever, which was hit with a bat, cromag [?] stave etc., which flung the ball into the air. From then the game was similar to cluich air house i.e. rounders. When the players were few, the catcher had the privilege of wielding the bat. There was quite an art in playing the ball in the hole: central, or to the left slightly or to the right slightly depending on how the field was set. Also the wielding of the bat gave room for the display of skill. Hit for 4, hit for 6 or interval for trot.

Location: Leodhas [Lewis], an taobh siar
Category: Cur-seachadan: Dèideagan, Geamaichean is Farpaisean / Recreation: Toys, Games, Contests
speilm: Quotation: Tha speilm agam air. Tha dà speilm agam air, etc. Notes: scoring a point over an opponent in sport.
Origin: Skye
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
speur dearg: ’Sa mhadainn – comharradh gu bheil droch shìde a bhi againn. ’San fheasgair – comharradh math air an t-sìde.
Origin: Mull, Tobermory
Category: Sìde / Weather
speur dearg: Ma tha e ri ’fhaicinn tha fiughair ri gaoth an eara-dheas gun dàil. Speur dearg anns a’ mhadainn trath anns an Earrach bha fiughair ri an-shìd gun dàil.
Origin: Tiree
Category: Sìde / Weather
spian: Quotation: Tha e a’ spianadh an t-sneachd. Notes: snow falling very lightly and sparsely.
Location: Skye, Breakish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
spian: Quot.: “Tha e a’ spianadh an t-sneachd.” Note: a light shower of fine hailstones driven by the wind.
Origin: Kershader
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
spideag: a delicate or slender creature. “Tha spideag air.” – Tha an deoch air.
Location: Harris, Borisdale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
spiol-mhé(idh?): Quotation: Cuiridh mi tron an spìol-mhé sibh. Notes: threat used by old woman to children…
Location: Harris, Gobhaig (Govig on the slips)
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
spionnadh: Quotation: a’ gabhail an spionnadh. Notes: testing the strength of the spirit (whisky). Done by excisemen.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
spionnadh: nn ‘vigour’ : cha dèanadh ~ duine an deamhan a chur air falbh idir; ‘s feadhain deagh spionnadh a bh’ ann; tha ~ ann an cù nan gabhadh e an fhearg ‘ cunnartach
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
spiorad: nn ‘spirit’ : ‘s e ~ marbh __ ‘ bha san duine sin; gu robh i cho [o] cunnartach agus an ~ aice; pl.: bha ise ‘ creidsinn sna spioraid;
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
spiorsaid: an unpopular, authoritative female. [SLIP: An unpopular, authoritarian woman.]
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris,Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
spiullag: Quotation: Cha do dh’ith mi spiullag bithidh an diugh.
Location: Lewis, Barvas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
spladhadh: something which is decided upon in a hurry or haphazardly even e.g. “Thug iad spladhadh air a dhol a Steornabhagh a màireach, cha robh guth am bitheadh an aisaig [sic] freagarrach.”
Location: North Uist, Lochportan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
spleogaigeadh: Quotation: nighean gu spleogaigeadh fhein airson an dannsa. Notes: applying to cosmetic arts.
Location: Harris, Ardhasaig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
spleogaigeadh: Dreasaigeadh an àirde, duine no nì eile.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
spliachd: a big spread, e.g. a large spread of food at a wedding or other social function. Also used for extensive news coverage of an incident.
Location: South Uist, Kildonan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
spliongag: pios leathair anns a bi clach air a cur s an leathar sin le da thraing as air a shuaibeadh gu bhi tilgeal na cloiche (sling).
Location: Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
splogaire: an oily, sycophantic person.
Location: Harris, Sgarastamhor
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
spluitrigeadh: Quotation: Dé an spluitrigeadh a th’ ort? A’ spluitrigeadh anns an oidhche. Notes: walking aimlessly.
Origin: Skye
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
splèacan: hoe or mattock (Perths.). (spleadh-ag-an?)
Origin: [Strathglass]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
spochadh: a retort. Leig mi spochadh thuige. – an abrupt shout to frighten a person who may [be] doing something or attempting to do something he shouldn’t do.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sporadh: Quotation: a’ sporadh an eich. Notes: goading on the horse.
Location: Tiree
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
spoth: this word was used in Harris thus: An t-sùil (evil eye) nach do bheannaich e dh’amhairc i giar air ’s bheireadh i ’n toradh á spoth nan ean-fiathach.
Location: [Harris], Scalpaigh [Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
spoth an fhoid: a backward tilt to the iron after the downward cut: to enable the peat to come off clearly.
Origin: Eileanaich [natives of Lewis]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
spoth an t-sìl: shaking out from among the straw refuse any good grain that had become mixed up in it.
Origin: Eileanaich [natives of Lewis]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
spoth an tairbh: skimming stones across a stretch of water. Others call this ‘struitairachd’.
Origin: Glasgow/South Uist? or South Uist, Kildonan or South Uist, Garrynamonie or South Uist or Skye, Bernisdale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
spoth-an-tairbh: Note: picking a very flat stone and throwing it into the water so as not to cause a splash.
Origin: Carloway, Doune
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sprac: trim. Sprac an duin’ e fhéin ’s dh’fhalbh e.
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
spreotag: bit of stick. Cha’n e spreotag fiodh an sud. Cha d’fhuair mi spreotag.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Spring-rope: An ròpa tiugh trom a tha cumail na lin comhnard anns a’ mhuir. Anns an tarraing tha an càbull so a’ dol mu cheapsun is tha an còcaire ga chuibhligeadh gu cothromach do tholl anns an dec faisg air an toiseach. Is e so as coireach gur e cuibhleir a theirte ris a’ chòcaire. Tha na stopairean air am fosgladh bhon spring-rope anns an tarraing ach chan eil na buidhe-ropan air am fosgladh bho na lin.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
spriodail: when an animal was upside down, its legs would be kicking rapidly trying to regain its balance. “Bha e a’ spriodail air an làr.”
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
spriotag: “Chaidh Dòmhnull beag a losgadh le spriotag bho an phrais lite.” – A throw-out bho an phrais nuair a bhiodh i a’ goil, ’sa’ goil gu math. Is iomadh uair a fhuair sinn dathadh bho an nì a bha seo. Timchioll mu an teine le na casan lomnochd.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sprod: splinter of wood. An t’fhuair thu cail? (wood). Cha t’fhuair sprod. [NOTES: the quotation on the slip has ‘d’fhuair’ and ‘càil’.]
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sprodanachadh: poking. A’ sprodanachadh an teine.
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sproiteanachadh: poking. A sproiteanachadh an teine.
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
spruthar (-an): splinters, fragments.
Location: Skye
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
spuilg: Quotation: Fhuair e an t-ubh spuilgte dha. Notes: He got something on a plate, without much effort. Sometimes “sgealpte dha”.
Origin: Tiree
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Spuinnean: (Spun-yarn?) Tùc an toll shéididh. Tha pios den ròpa so air a chireadh a mach is air a roiligeadh cruinn is le beagan cagnaidh a dheanamh air tha e dol don toll shéididh. Bócaidh e anns an uisge.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
spuraic: Quotation: Bha spuraic air. Notes: He had an aggrieved, surly look.
Origin: Skye
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
spàdh (-an): the line which is visible once the hay has been cut. Lines between each row of freshly cut grass. [NOTES: corrected to ‘spadh’.]
Origin: Na Hearadh [Harris]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
spàgach: Quotation: Nam faighte griasaich gun a bhi briagach, ’S nam faighte tàillear gun a bhi spàgach, Chuírte an crùn air an rìgh gun aon bhuille. (from my Uncle Donald) Notes: A snatch, presumably, from a folktale remembered from youth. Dw. has it in sense ‘having awkward legs or feet’.
Location: Lewis
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
spàgail: Quotation: Dé a’ spàgail a th’ort an sin? Notes: What are you groping about there for? (not walking)
Origin: Islay, Ballygrant
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
spàlag: an unsteady, unstable small boat on the surface of the sea.
Location: [Harris], Scalpaigh [Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
spàr: nn ‘roost’ : tha na cearcan air an ~
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
spàrdanachd: Ruighinn an àirde air rudan, air mullach an dreasair, ’s air àiteachan àrda mar sin. Mar bu trice ’s ann air nithean a stigh ’s an tigh a bhiodh ‘spàrdanachd’ againn. [Cf. ruigheastaireachd]
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
spàrr: Quotation: spàrr – a cross beam of a roof coupling. Spàrr – “Spàrr e an clobha dh’an an teine.” Sparradh – warning. “Thug e sparradh dha gun e dhol ann a rithist.”
Origin: West Lewis [the location given on the slips]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
spàrr beag: an té a b’àirde.
Origin: Geàrrloch (Loch Iubh) [Gairloch (Loch Ewe)]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
spàrr-bhochd: beggar’s roost. Cha urrain dhomh a radha gu firinneachd an e bochduinn mar a theirte “poor house” seo mar a shaoileas mi e?
Location: Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Spàrr-gaoithe: Bhà. “An àirde chun na spàrra-ghaoithe.”
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
spàrr-gaoithe: a rafter in an old thatched house, of olden times. (Harris)
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
spàrr-gaoithe or -ghaoithe: sparr ann an tigh dubh (parting).
Location: Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
spèic: [spɛ:c] Quot.: “Tha spèic mhath eadar so ’s an eaglais.” “Tha e spèic mhath as.” Note: a good distance.
Origin: Kershader
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
spèic: spoke; spoke in a wheel, as an old salt used to put it: Bu mhath a nis a bhi air spèic bhuidhe – it would now be good to be at a yellow spoke, literally, etc. meaning in other words, or wishing being at sea steering a vessel.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
spéidhlear: [spe:lɑð] Note: te a tha deigheil air a cuid fhéin a thoirt a féill an diomhanais.
Origin: Swainbost
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
spéil: [spe:l] Quotation: Bha mi a’ spéileadh air an deigh. Notes: sliding.
Origin: Glenurquhart
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
spìdeag: Quotation: spìdeag(an). Notes: small particles of anything.
Origin: Skye
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
spìonag: [spĩə̃ṉɑɡ] Notes: an undernourished creature (Skye). In Dw.
Origin: Skye
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
spòg: Quotation: spòg an trùsair. Notes: trouser leg. (Kenmore)
Origin: Harris
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
spòg an eoin: connected with the above [i.e. clòmh bàn (q.v.)], this means the criss cross pattern made when underwear was being sewn together.
Location: South Uist, Bornish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
spòg-an-fhithich: birthmark.
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Blàthan-Leighis / Medicinal Plants
spòg-ris: bare feet. An robh thu air do spòg-ris?
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
spòiteis: beautiful (perhaps an invented word). Tha e spòiteis.
Location: [Harris], Scalpaigh [Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
spòl: nn ‘spool’ : dh’fhosgaileadh tu ann an ~ e, agus nuair a chuireadh [tu] an t-aodach sa bheirt, chuireadh tu an t-iteachan sa ~
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
spùisil: [spu̟:ʃilʹ] Note: “Pòcaid ann an cliathaich còta drògaid.”
Origin: Crowlista
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
spùisil: pòcaid ann an cliathaich còta drògaid. (Uige Leódhais)
Location: [various]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
spùt: Notes: ‘diarrhoea’. Dòmhnall Iseabail to Màiri Bheag: “An aon uan a th’agad-sa a’ dol dh’an t-sloc leis a spùt, ’s cha toir thu beathachadh dha le do làimh.” Dw. has spùt ‘diarrhoea in cattle or sheep’.
Location: Lewis
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
spùt: Quotation: Chan eil spùt aige – he has no idea, no sense. Be sin a spùtaidh – it is him that is the squirt. Notes: Is this a translation of squirt – an insignificant person? Or did the English copy it from Gaelic?!
Origin: West Lewis [the location given on the slips]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
srad: Quotation: Cho tioram ris an t-srad.
Origin: Bunloit
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sraon: applied to someone setting a hectic pace, e.g. a walker. “Bha sraon uamhasach air an duine agus strùth fallais leam a’ feuchainn cumail suas ris.”
Location: Benbecula, Creagorry
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
srathair: Quotation: an t srathair [əntrɑ̟ʔẹr]
Location: Mull
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
srathair: Quotation: an t srathair [əntrɑ˖hẹrʹ]. Notes: gen. is srathrach. The belt which is used as a girth.
Location: Ross of Mull
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
srathar: nn ‘straddle’: gen.: an t-~ [ən dra-ir´]
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
sreang: ceud dubh [sic] air a h-uile sreang, da shreang an comhnaidh. [SLIP: Ceud dubhan air a h-uile sreang.]
Origin: An t-Eilean Sgitheanach [Skye; Skye, Glendale acc. to other questionnaires]
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
sreath: a row of vegetables sprouting up in your garden. “Tha an t-sreath air a’ chàl.”
Location: North Uist, Grèinatobht [Grenitote]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sreath: Quotation: an t-sreath. Notes: the outside row of sheaves in a cornstack.
Origin: North Uist
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sreith: Quotation: “Tha i a’s an t-sreith.” Notes: average. Probably borrowed from army language: “in the ranks”. Also a furrow – “a buain na sreith chlaisean”. Sreith bhuntát – a drill of potatoes.
Origin: West Lewis [the location given on the slips]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
srian: Quotation: an t-srian. Notes: the bridle of the plough. (See also cluasag – DMM.)
Origin: Glenurquhart
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
srulaichean: Bha Dòmhnull (balach) ag obair leis an sgithinn (agus i cho geur). Cha robh mi ann nuair a chaidh i chun na h-òrdaige aige, agus thàinig na srulaichean de an fhuil.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
srulais: mixture of material of a distasteful approach: Cha’n eil an sud ach srulais. Srulais gu leoir aige (gossip).
Location: Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sruth: Quotation: an taobh-shruth. Notes: current near the shore running opposite to the “cuilsean” q.v.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sràbhan: Bho an bhodach mhór, cuideachd. Bha na bodaich air tìr [?] ann an eilean, no am badeigin, agus fhuair iad moran uighean – uighean ian fiadhaich. An fheadhainn a bha ùr agus ceart chum iad iad, ach an fheadhainn nach robh, mar a sgaileadh iad iad mu na creagan, chanadh iad ‘sràbhan’ (‘stràban’ a bh’aige-san air).
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sràic: [st̪ɾɑ:c] Notes: In reply to someone’s question, e.g. “Dé a bha sibh a’ cur ris an diugh?” “Very little,” “nothing of consequence.”
Location: Lewis, Barvas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sròin: Quotation: sroin [sic] an innein. Notes: pointed end of anvil.
Origin: Islay, Ballygrant
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sròinich: (?) Mac-an-t-sròinich – a notorious character of the late nineteenth century who roved in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, as a crucial, decisive rather, murderer.
Location: [Harris], Scalpaigh [Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Sròn dubh an t-sithein: in Glenroy.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sròn dubh an t-sithein: the black point of the fairy knoll.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sròn ’s an athar: Location: Na Hearadh, Gòbhaig [Harris, Gobhaig]
Category: Faireachdain / Senses
stacach: stiff. As in an old wheel which needs lubrication.
Location: North Uist, Grimsay, Cnoc Cuidhein [Knockquien]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
stad: vb ‘stop, halt’ : vbl nn: chaidh an soitheach aca a ~
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
stadhar: [ˈstɑəɾ] Quot.: stadhar chruich. Note: usually means here an area of churned mud caused by the passage of cattle.
Origin: Uig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
stagant: steadfast. “’Se duine stagant a bh’ann an Dùghall.”
Location: South Uist, Milton
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
staing: Faic Dwelly 4. “Small pointed rock”. ’S ann rudeigin mar sin a tha e againne ann an aodann creige. Àite anns an seasadh tu no anns an greimich tu. ’S mar sin. Faic MacGhillfh. cuideachd.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Cruth na Tìre / Landscape Features
staingean: (also referred to as ‘asnaichean’) Bha an caol beag air fhighe ’na chuairtean mu thimchioll nan staingean.
Origin: Borraraig [Skye, Boreraig]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
Stall: Bhà. “Air an lic-stall”. B’e seo air an lic a bhiodh aig bonn an doruis-a-muigh.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
stallachdach: Quotation: Cha robh e stallachdach an dòigh sam bith. Notes: halting in speech; lacking in fluency.
Location: Tiree, [Caolas? – one slip]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
stamhaireachd: [st[ɑu̜]ʴəɾɑxk] Notes: hesitating, indecisiveness. [NOTES: I use the turned r for the symbol which is unclear in the original. It may be an h.]
Location: Skye, Breakish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
stamhradh: summer. An stamhradh.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
stang, stainge (f): a ditch of stagnant water (N.E.); ma bhios ruith air an uisge, cha “stang” i.
Origin: [Strathglass]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
staoig () an amadain: [fem.] found stuck to the maodal [q.v.] (spleen?).
Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
staoig an amadain: spleen.
Origin: Leodhas [Lewis], Uig
Category: Crodh / Cattle
staoig an amadain: spleen.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
staoig-an-amadain: [st̪w:ɡʹən̪ɑməd̪ɑ̃nʹ] Note: cartilaginous piece in the breast of sheep between the ribs. (Some call it “slig’-an-amadain”.)
Location: Harris
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
stapal: an iron latch with an eye in one end. Slipped onto a similar eye in the door frame and secured by a wooden wedge.
Location: South Uist, Kildonan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
starabhaigheadh: chipping off parts so as to fit the required thing. So to speak ‘starving’, to me it could have derived from such word by its sound. It is colloquial star a… [NOTES: second ‘a’ underlined.] [SLIP: Chipping off parts of an object so that it can fit into the container.]
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
starach: remnant. Bunan starach – reference to decayed teeth. [NOTES: the slip gives as a quotation ‘Bun an starach (or: bunan starach?)’. Definition: Remnant.]
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
staranach: (adj. of staran [q.v.]) place abounding with stepping stones, as an islet on a loch with the shallow channel in between almost filled with stones as in the case of schoolboys etc. constructing ‘stone causeways’ to get across to discover bird’s nests.
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
starragan: making an onset, attack. As in an argument. [NOTES: note added – ‘Rinn e starragan air.’]
Location: South Uist, Daliburgh
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
starran: Chi thu na stiallan donna mar chuiseagan seargte ann an aodainn cuid de phuill, agus gabhaidh iad an slaodadh as. ’S e starran a chanas iad ri na stiallan so. (B’e a’ chòsach tombaca nam balach.)
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
starsach: Quotation: Is sleamhainn starsach an tigh mhóir.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
start: vb ‘commence, begin’ : past: ~ e air an treabhadh
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
staòig-an-amadain: pancreas.
Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
steallan uisge: Anns an t-sìde mhath cuideachd. Downpour.
Origin: Mull, Tobermory
Category: Sìde / Weather
stearn: condition above normal (fire, flood, etc.) (Perths.); tha stearn (steairn) air – tipsy. Also “caoir” – tha caoir air an allt, leis a’ bhruaich – big flood.
Origin: [Strathglass]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
steonc: good. Tha e steonc. – it is good. This is an unfamiliar word in vocabulary list or lists, or if at all listed or noted. It’s a modern word (Harris). It may be an invented word.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
steàrrsach: Quot.: “Fhuair e na steàrrsaich man an tóin.” Note: a severe skelp.
Origin: [Barvas]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
steòrn: [ʃtʹɔ:ʴṉ] Quot.: “Chunnaic mi cuideigin ga steòrnadh sios chun an tigh agam.” Note: guiding. [NOTES: the turned r used for the symbol which is unclear in the original.]
Location: Harris
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
stiabag (-an): [See stiapaire.]
Location: Skye
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
stiachd: shape. ’G a fhaighinn ann an stiachd. (in shape)
Location: [Harris], Scalpaigh [Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
stiall: n. ‘piece’: thug e ~ dhìom, ~ an sin
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
stiallaire: n. ‘hard worker’: ’s e ~ do dhuine a th’ ann an Seumas
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
stiam: [ʃtʹĩɑ̃m] Quot.: “Tha stiam as an ùth aig a bhoin an deidh dhith breith.” Note: some kind of matter in the udder of cows that have newly calved, causing a certain blockage of the milk ducts. Udder felt lumpy.
Origin: Crowlista
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
stiapan: ribbons of cloth. [NOTES: slipped under ‘stiap (pl. -an)’.]
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
stigh: Quotation: ’S e an rud a tha a’ dol a stigh rium. Notes: What is annoying me is…
Location: Sutherland, Lochinver, Culkein (Stoer)
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
stiodha (E): Slighe chaol agus, mar as trice, chunnartach, ann an aodann creige.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Cruth na Tìre / Landscape Features
stiorraid (-each, -an): long, thin, scraggy person.
Location: South Uist, Daliburgh
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
stiulladh: [ʃtʹu̜ɫəɡ] Quotation: Bha e a stiulladh an uisge. Notes: splashing about. (Prob. from “steall”.)
Origin: Glenurquhart
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
stiùir: a rudder. Stiùir a choilich – the tail of a cockerel. ‘An it a bh’ann a’ stiùir a choilich / Bha i ’m boineid Hyder Ali. / An it a bh’ann a stiùir a choilich / Bha i ’m boineid Thearlaich.’
Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
stob: Quotation: “Bha am buntàta air an stobadh le cas-chaibe.” Notes: holes were made at regular intervals and the potatoes dropped in.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
stob (m): Quotation: a’ stobadh. Stob an t-ugh dhan a’ bhùin [?] as a’ spot. Stob e sud na mo laimh. Stob maide. Notes: thrust (quickly) / stob, post.
Location: Harris, Ardhasaig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
stoban: Quotation: “Tha stoban ann.” Notes: said of an egg in which the chicken has started to form.
Origin: North Uist
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
stoc: stock. Stoc-a’-bhàta. Stoc-craoibhe. Stoc-na-leabadh. Stoc-an-eithir. Stoc-chaorach. Stoc anns a’ bhùtha. Gun stoc neo stòr. Gun bhòrd, gun eithear. Aig bun an stuic. Deireadh stuic, etc. etc.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
stocalach: an upright, a pillar, a standard.
Origin: [Strathglass]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
stoirm-eilean: island exposed to storms. ‘Steilmire’ – an island off Scalpay. ‘Steilmire’ is corruption as show[n] on a map, etc.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
stoirte: arranged, e.g. “Stoirte ann an ordugh réidh.”
Location: South Uist, Stoneybridge
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
stopadh: blockage. I have heard of an operation performed on the throat gullet [sic] of a hen by cutting through externally and removing the internal obstruction (with a razor blade) when a foreign body stuck in her gullet, and this operation seemingly being the only alternative medical aid (done locally). The wound of course was sown. If it was a success, if the wound healed, I can’t say. With human beings, if an obstruction of a minor event came forward, say, fish bones stuck in the throat, the cure, or the precautions taken, was to swallow oatcakes, coarse food chewed and swallowed, thus pressing, bringing with it the swallowed bones from their undesirable place, or phase [sic].
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Stopair: Am ball a tha ceangal na lin aig an druim iochdair ris an ‘Spring-Rope’.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
straighleach: Quotation: An t-straighleach. Notes: delirium tremens, going berserk with drink.
Origin: Skye
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
strake: an oblong piece of wood with emery cloth on each side – now superseded with the Carborundum stones.
Origin: Assynt, Stoer
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
straointe: Tha an dorus straointe fosgailte.
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
straointe fosgailte: wide open. Dh’fhagadh an dorus straoint [sic] fosgailte.
Location: South Uist, Bornish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
strap (f): Quotation: strap luch; strap ann an sgoil, etc.
Location: Harris, Ardhasaig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
strat an teintein: throwing flat stanes [sic] along the surface of the lock [sic].
Location: South Uist, Bornish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
strathair-chliabh: pios airneis a laigheadh air druim an eich air son cliabh a ghiulain air gach taobh. Bha’n iris a dol air gach adhairc.

Origin: [Taransay]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
streabhainn: [st̪ɾɛvĩnʹ] Note: membrane of any kind – e.g. the lining inside an eggshell.
Origin: Crowlista
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
streabhainn, an t-sreabhainn: covering on a lamb when born. (Air a fhuaimneachadh dìreach mar a tha e sgrìobhte.)
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
streafann: similar to above [i.e. lithseag] although a light covering would be more accurate. “Streafann sneachda air an talamh.”
Location: North Uist, Grimsay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
streang (I), streangan: Ceithir sreangan trì-fichead anns gach pìos. Trì pìosan aig gach duine. Seachdar anns a’ bhàta. (Ceithir sreangan trì-fichead, ’se sin: ceithir sreangan trì-fichead aitheamh.) “Bha e muigh còmhla ruinn le sreangan.” Theireadh na bodaich seo mu dhuine òg a’ tòiseachadh an iasgaich còmhla riutha mu’m biodh an làn lìon-mór aige. [NOTES: slipped under ‘streang(an) (fem.)’]
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
streathaig: Also sràbhag. An t-sreathaig. (’Se seo a chanadh m’athair.)
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
streibhinn: a thin piece of skin, such as the diaphragm, or e.g. the fat on the stomach of a lean animal. “An robh tòrr geir oirr?” “Cha robh. Dìreach streibhinn bheag air a mhaodal.”
Origin: Leodhas [Lewis], Uig
Category: Crodh / Cattle
stretch: vb ‘stretch’ : vbl adj.: làmh an duine cho ~-te [o striʧt́ə] brèagha ‘s a ghabhadh e
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
strincealair: [st̪ɾĩŋcəlɑð] Notes: an illness in horses. One symptom was a running nose.
Origin: North Uist
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
striteag: (also) an emotional female (may have derived from stratag).
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
stroban: [st̪ɾɔbɑṉ] Quotation: Tha stroban as an ubh. Notes: said of an egg that is birded, i.e. the chicken is beginning to form inside.
Origin: North Uist
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
strucadh: [st̪ɾu̟kəɣ] Quotation: Bha an còta aige a’ strucadh a’ làr. Notes: dragging, trailing against.
Location: Lewis, Barvas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
strucail: sliding, slithering. A’ srucail a chasan – an old man’s way of walking.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
stràp: to be taken for a ride or mug by someone else. “Chaidh do chur ann an stràp.”
Location: South Uist, Daliburgh
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
strì: n. ‘trouble; effort’: cha robh ~ air a dhèanamh; cha robh ~ agad angnothach a leanai[n]t an uair sin; chan eil ~ ann … do’l [nuair] a gheibh thu suas ris
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
strùpladh (E): Faic ‘strùplaich’ aig MacGhillfhinnein. (Fear a’ Chnìpe – Kneep, am baile ann an Uig an Iar). Crabhlastadh agus An Cnìpe chan eil iad fada bho chèile. Ach faic an t-eadar-dhealachadh. Mar eiseamplair: Cragan-tràghad (Crabhlastadh). Cragan-faoileig (An Cnìpe). Sgliùnach (Crabhlastadh). Sgliùnaidh (An Cnìpe). (Chan eil fhios ’am an e ‘Cnìp’ no ‘Cnìop’ an litreachadh ceart. Cha chreid mi gu’m faca mi a riamh ann an sgrìobhadh e.)
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Cruth na Tìre / Landscape Features
stuadh: an arch (also wave).
Origin: [Strathglass]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
stuathbleis: an unappealing mixture of all sorts.
Location: Harris, Scarista Post Office
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
stubach an eich: its tail.
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
study-ig: vb ‘study’ : fut.: math dh'fhaodte -- gun ~ mi air an òran
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
stuig: [st̪iɡʹ] Quot.: “Stuig an cù ann.” Note: set the dog on him.
Origin: [Lewis], Arnol
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
stuigeadh: “Stuig e an cù.”
Origin: Leòdhas, [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Stuigeadh Coin / Encouraging a Dog
stuirt: [st̪u̜ʴsṯ] Quot.: “’S ann ort a tha an aon stuirt.” Note: dourness. [NOTES: the turned r used for the symbol which is unclear in the original.]
Origin: Swainbost
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
stump: n. ‘stump’: chunna mise beithe ’ seo, a-mach air trì troighean air an ~aidh
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
stuth: Quotation: “An cuimhnich thu air stuth tuilleadh?” Notes: “stuth” commonly used in Islay for “anything”.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
stuth: Quotation: Ged stuth eun an fhithich e ’s geal na sùilean fhéin e. Notes: i.e. in his mother’s eyes. [NOTES: slipped under ‘dubh’ (‘dubh?’ added in second hand).]
Location: Islay, Port Wemyss
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
stuth: nn ‘stuff’ : b’ fhìor thoigh le Lachainn seo … deochannan dhan ~ làidir; dh’fhaodte gur e ~ a’ choreigin …, no rudeigin a bha i ‘ gabhail, thug e seo dhi; ach an ~ seo a bh’ aige, ~
a leithid seo a dhuine, nan gabhadh e … a’ ~
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
stàla (f): Quotation: anns an stàlaidh. Notes: stall.
Location: Harris, Ardhasaig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
stàpal: an iron locking mechanism on the outside of a barn door.
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
stàrr is feamainn chirean: [sic] given to cattle with ‘is-sproillean’ [q.v.] and ‘nis-sproillean’, I have
discovered the two pronunciations, perhaps there are the two words, seemingly. I shall make
more investigation. Stàrr (coarse grass) is feamainn chìrean air a chuir cuide ris, ’s air
an goil, ’s an sin leigeil leis gu fuarachadh, ’s a h-uile cail a bh’ann a thoirt dh’an
bhoin, sùgh is eile…
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Blàthan-Leighis / Medicinal Plants
stàth: Quotation: Nach farsainn an stàth a tha e a toirt leis. Tha’n coirce na stàthan. Notes: swathe.
Location: Skye, Portree
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
stéidheadh: A’ càradh nam fàd gu grinn ann an cruaich (mòine). (Mar a chàireadh tu brige.) A’ càradh nam fàd ann an cliabh (bho’s cionn beul a’ chléibh). Dà sheòrsa stéidhidh: an stéidheadh cumanta agus an stéidheadh air oir.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
stéidheadh: Wall building the sides of a peat stack. No one here knows the English word for ‘stéidheadh’ if there is one. Tri seorsachan steidhidh: (a) Stéidheadh a’ gharraidh. (b) Fadan an taca r’a cheile air shiobhadh an aon taobh. (c) Steidheadh cnaimh a’ sgadain.

Location: Lewis, Port of Ness
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
stéineadh: [ʃtʹe:nʹəɣ] Quot.: “Chaidh a stéineadh na do chlaigionn.” “A’ stéineadh rud ann an claigionn duine.” Note: explain painstakingly. (Perhaps “stéinneadh” better spelling.)
Origin: Caversta
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
stòc an acair: a metal rod forming part of an anchor which props up the anchor so as not to fall flat, e.g.
Location: South Uist, Iochdar, Baile Gharbhaidh [Balgarva]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
stòc an acaire: the bit of iron on an anchor which prevented it from falling over. [NOTES: ‘stòc’ corrected to ‘stoc’.]
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
stòlan: an t-uachdar de fhodar air fhighe. Theireadh cuid “na Stòlanan” ri daoine bha fuireach air a’ Chóigeach (a réir seann duine as aithne dhomh).
Origin: Geàrrloch (Loch Iubh) [Gairloch (Loch Ewe)]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
stòras an t-saoghail: enough worldly goods.
Location: South Uist, South Lochboisdale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
stùbhach: Quot.: caora stùbhach. Note: caora goirid as an earball.
Origin: Carloway, Doune
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
suab (E): “Anns an t-suab.” Suab: na tonnan a thilleas a mach bho an chreig as dèidh na tonnan móra bualadh oirre. Tillidh iad a mach, ’s théid iad a null ’s a nall.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Cruth na Tìre / Landscape Features
suadach: to drive sheep from an area.
Location: Skye
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
suagraid: [su̜ɤɡərɑdʹ] Note: an unappetising mixture.
Origin: [Ness]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
suaimhneach: in the context of all day long. “Fad mhinn shuaimhneach an latha.”
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
suainteachan: an instrument used to make heather ropes. Previously described under ‘corr shùgan’.
Location: South Uist, Stoneybridge
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
suaithalas [sic]: to resemble someone else. “Tha suaithalas agad ris an fhear ud.”
Location: North Uist, Tigharry
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
suamhthaid: [sũ̜ɑ̃hidʹ] Quotation: (1) “Bha e a’ coimhead suamhthaid.” (2) Bha an tigh direach suamhthaid. Notes: (1) ridiculous, bizarre. (2) In a dirty or untidy condition. Dw. spells it suathaid.
Location: Lewis, Barvas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
suaplais: [su̜ɤpɫɑʃ] Note: an unappetizing mixture of food.
Origin: Scarista
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
suarach: adj. ‘despicable’ : agus ‘s e am mèirleach rud cho ~ ‘s tha air an t-saoghal
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
suas: adv. ‘surviving’: fhuair mi pension … ’s ann air a sin ’ tha sinn ~ an-dràsta
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Mira Co., Marion Bridge
Category: Word List
suas: advb loc. ‘up’ : nuair a bha sinn ~ nar cnapaich seo; tha e [sabhall] ~ fhathast; tha mise ~ ann am bliadhnachan; ~ ri dà mhìle duine oirre; ~ ri ‘able to’: bha e ~ ris an train seo
a dhriveadh
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
suath: Quot.: a’ suathadh an eòrna. Note: grain removed from barley by rolling the heat [?] of the sheaf (opened) under foot.
Location: Lewis, Uig, Crowlista
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
suath: Quotation: a’ suathadh an eòrna. Notes: barley ears taken off sheaves by rubbing shocks between the feet. “Osanan” worn for this purpose.
Location: Stornoway, Melbost
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
suathadh: Suathadh an eòrna. – A’ toirt dheth an t-sil le bhith ’g a shuathadh eadar na casan (na casan lomnochd, na casan rùisgte). Dheanainn fhathast e, nam faigheadh sinn beumannan eòrna.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
suathadh an eòrna: getting the barley grain off the stem by working the tops of the sheaves between the feet – wearing special boots the while.
Origin: Eileanaich [natives of Lewis]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
sud an: [?] to and fro.
Location: [Harris], Scalpaigh [Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sugan: jug; was also used as an interj. in calling a milking cow for to arouse the cow’s interest for to give her milk at milking time, perhaps.
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
suibheag: nn f. : pl.:~an preas ‘raspberries’; ~an làir ‘strawberries’
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
suibheag: [si:ɑɡ] Notes: a sign of bad weather. A column of reddish light, shaped like the lower half of a rainbow, over the water, ending in the water just as a rainbow would. Common to Barra, Golspie and Embo. Though each speaker varies the description slightly, all agree that it’s a column of coloured light ending in the water and that it marks bad weather to come. N.B. there is a homophonous word in Embo only, which means ‘very red cheeks’ – possibly an extension of meaning for same word? e.g. [de: nə si:ɑɡən ǯerəɡ] ‘what red cheeks!’ Source: John MacRae, 12 Moray Terrace, Brora.
Location: Sutherland [see below]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
suidheachadh: [suiʔəxəɣ] Quotation: a reir an suidheachadh ’s a robh iad. Notes: situation.
Location: Ross of Mull
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
suidheachan: applied to four or six shocks of corn stood together. This word is more prevalent in North Uist whereas the word ‘adag (-an)’ is used in South Uist. Similarly ‘sguabag’ can be heard more often in North Uist whereas ‘raoid’ is used for an individual shock of corn in South Uist. Therefore the above words cannot be confined to an individual island due to a certain degree of overlapping most noted at northern end of South Uist.
Location: South Uist, Iochdar
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
suidheachan an teine: the nest in a fireplace.
Location: South Uist, Lochcarnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
suil an dòchais: Location: Na Hearadh, Gòbhaig [Harris, Gobhaig]
Category: Faireachdain / Senses
suil na leise: joint of hind legs to body, ball an[d] socket joint.
Location: Na Hearadh, Gòbhaig [Harris, Gobhaig]
Category: Crodh / Cattle
suil-an-t-sèicil: the eye of the winder through which the thread runs in the course of spinning.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
suil-dhìleas: Quotation: ... suil-dhìleas (strong accent on 2nd element) a bh’aca, an tè a bhiodh a’ bleoghan dhaibh... (of a couple who were ill, and needed someone to look after their day-to-day affairs). Notes: Used in sense of ‘housekeeper’ by Rev. Norman MacDonald (Skye) – Gairm 52. Not in Dw.
Location: Lewis
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Suilidh: Bha toiseach suilidh a’ dol sios dìreach gu a leth is an sin a’ lùbadh cas a steach chun an droma. Dh’eireadh ise air an tonn ach thuiteach i le ‘Plop’ don ghlaic nuair a dh’fhàgadh an tonn i.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
Suipear an Tighearna: Lord’s Supper.
Origin: [Skye], Gleanndail [Glendale]
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
suireachadh: a poor situation. “An fhac thu riabh suireachadh coltach ris.” [NOTES: note added - ? suidheachadh.]
Location: South Uist, Stoneybridge
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
suitse: Quotation: Cuir suitse ris an teine. Notes: cf. Rev. Norman MacDonald’s Skye form sitse (SGS XI, Pt. 1).
Location: Lewis
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sula: fat on the back of an eel. Sometimes used for rheumatic complaints.
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sunnag: a chair crafted from an old barrel. Cut in the shape of a chair and filled to give a cushioned effect.
Location: North Uist, Tigharry
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
suragan: puddles. Na shurragan [sic] beaga ’s na eabair far an robh na geigean a feitheamh ’s a mhòintich.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
suraladh: a word which is used in the context of weather forecasting. Would be heard as “Chan eil suraladh orra an diugh ach uisge is gaoth.” Therefore the translation would be “Nothing can be expected today but wind and rain.”
Location: North Uist, Iollaraigh [Illeray]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
susadh (v.n.): a’ gearradh na talmhainn leis an spaid mus teid am poll fheannadh. Gearrar striochd fad a’ phuill.
Origin: Uibhist-a-Tuath [North Uist]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
susaladh: marking out an area of land to be dug. I would pronounce this as ‘sussadh’.
Location: North Uist, Scolpaig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
swamp: nn ‘swamp’ : fhuair e ann an ~ [suamp h ] a' choreigin i; car de sh. bog; land e san t-~
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
swivel: an t-ainm Beurla a th’againn airson seo.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
sàbh: n. ‘saw’: bha an air a cur air a ceann suas ri seo agus bha ~ aca air a son sin a dhèanamh; dithis aig gach ceann don t-~ agus sin mar a bha iad a’ sàbhadh
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Mira Co., Marion Bridge
Category: Word List
sàil: Quotation: an t-sàil. Notes: heel part fitting onto shoemaker’s last.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sàil: Quotation: sàil an innein. Notes: the blunt end of the anvil.
Origin: Islay, Ballygrant
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sàil an iaruinn: the ‘heel’ of the [peat] iron into which the ‘cas’ [q.v.] fits.
Location: Harris, Tarbert
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
sàil-ghoirt: Quot.: (1) “Dh’ionnsaicheadh tu sin air an t-sàil-ghoirt.” (2) “Thainig air a dheanamh mu dheireadh air an t-sàil-ghoirt.” Note: (1) One would suffer in the process, couldn’t do it easily. (2) If someone was putting something off, had to do it sometime, possibly the longer it was left undone, the more difficult it became.
Origin: [Barvas]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sàile: n. ‘tide; sea’: eòin an t-~
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
sàillibh, air: ~ prep. ‘on account of’: air ~ an leòin; bha an t-eagal aig chuile fear dhiubh dhol seachad air a’ chladh air ~ a’ chailleach seo ‘ bhith ‘-staigh
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
sàitheach: keen on something. “Tha easgannan sàitheach air an sin.”
Location: South Uist, South Lochboisdale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sàl: seawater. Fresh herring boiled in seawater, cooked, was believed to be more tasteful (Harris). An old recipe, also fresh herring being cooked in paper, rolled in paper, and leaving it on a stove, not so hot as to allow the paper to burn, thus when ready, of course eaten.
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sàs: Quotation: Bha iad ann an sàs nan gad. Notes: locked together in wrestling.
Location: Ross-shire, Aultbea
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sàs, an ~ an/am: prep. ‘stuck’ : an fheadhain nach robh ‘ dol an ~ sa doras; chaidh an shaft an ~ an harness fear dho na h-eich
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
sàth: Quotation: 1. Sàth an cipean. 2. Shàth mi an capull cùl an taighe. Notes: 1. Drive the pin into the ground. 2. I tethered the mare behind the house.
Origin: Tiree
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sèodal (-an): wandering aimlessly about.
Location: Skye
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
séid: Quotation: “Sil, séid agus frois!” Notes: an expression of hopelessness. Addressing the elements.
Origin: Port Wemyss
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
séid: Quotation: Bha iad air a’ séideadh an aghaidh a chéile. Notes: They were incited, agitated against each other.
Origin: Islay, Ballygrant
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
séid: Quotation: “Shéid e an fheadag.” He blew the whistle. “Tha séid as a chas aige.” Swelling in his foot.
Origin: West Lewis [the location given on the slips]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
séidhear (E): Airson séidhear faodaidh sibh smaoineachadh air séidhear cumanta, séidhear sìomain, agus séidhear bean an tighe. Séidhear-gàirdeanach, ’s ann a bhiodh e aig daoine a bha ’na b’ fheàrr air an dòigh ’s mar sin. An sìoman a bhiodh air séidhear sìomain b’e sìoman gathan–gainnisg no sìoman de phunnd-bàn. Agus mar sin.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
séip: Quotation: Ghabh an cù séip eagallach! Nach tu a ghabh an séip! Notes: a big meal – a “tightener”. Also used in Lochinver – heard from Miss Ina MacKenzie.
Location: Tiree, [Caolas? – one slip]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
séis: (in living room) A long, plain, wooden bench with high back and an arm at each end. It was placed alongside the wall and could hold from four to six people. There were in addition one or more ordinary chairs (without arms) in the living room.
Origin: Skye
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
séis: Quotation: gille-ceann-séiseadh. Notes: a flunky in a household, e.g. an unmarried man staying with his married brother.
Origin: North Uist
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
séis: Notes: The sing-song intonation of an enraptured preacher (Welsh hwyl). Not in Dw. He has séis ‘tune…; noise etc.
Location: Lewis
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
séis (I): Bha i faisg air an aon seòrsa ris an tè eile [i.e. being?] ach gun bonn idir innte. Casan a bh’oirre. Bha i math airson rudan a ghleidheadh a stigh fòidhe agus airson àite do an chù. Chanadh sinn ‘beinge’ ri na dhà. ‘Séis’ agus ‘ciste-chaol’.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
sìbhleachadh: starving. “Tha mi a’ sìbhleachadh leis an acras.”
Location: North Uist, Grèinatobht [Grenitote]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sìbligeadh: starving. Tha mi gu sìbligeadh leis an acras. (Scalpay)
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sìlean (m): Quotation: “bodach an t-sìlein agus sìlean ’na bhròig, dh’fhalbh e gu taigh caillich…” (start of a trad. bedtime story). Notes: a very small potato.
Location: Harris, Ardhasaig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sìliche (E): Lìogaire [q.v.] de dhuine. (Faic lìogach aig MacGhillfh.) Duine a bhios a’ deanamh rudan lìogach, ’s mar sin; sly, cunning, ’s nach tig air uachdar aig an toiseach ’s mar sin. [SLIP: Sly, clumsy person.]
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Nàdur an Duine / Personality
Sìlig no Sìligeadh: Nuair a chutadh gach cutair na bha do sgadan air a beulaibh air an ruigeadh an làmh anns na faluns dh’eubhadh i ‘sìlig’ no ‘sìligeadh’ is thigeadh fear le maide sìligeadh a bhruthadh tuilleadh sgadain thuice.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
sìm: ‘time’: gen.: a’ cur seachad na ~ [nə ʃi:m]; dat.: bheil biadh gu leòr agaibh air an ~ seo dha na feudalaich?
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
sìobhalta: adj. ‘civil, mannerly’ : dh’fhaighneachd iad cho brèagha ~, spry, càit an robh __ na remains; tha iad uamhasach ~ [FMM]; bha triùir chloinneadh ann ‘s iad modhail, ~
[DAG]
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
sìol: Quotation: breac an t-sìl. Notes: wagtail.
Origin: North Uist
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sìoladh: Chan eil fhios ’am am bheil agaibh sìoladh, air a chleachdadh mar seo: “Tha sìoladh de ghoirteas ’n am amhaich” dìreach mar a bha mi-fhìn air an t-seachdain a chaidh. Sìoladh de ghoirteas (an goirteas a bhith ann ach gun e bhith mór). ’S ann mu amhaich, cho fad ’s a tha cuimhne agam, a bhiodh sinn a’ cleachdadh sìoladh.
Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sìoman-ceàrr: Sìoman air a shnìomh le duine air an làimh cheàrr, gu a thaobh fhéin mar a shnìomhadh duine air an làimh dheis sìoman chun an taobh eile – gu a thaobh fhéin. Mar: na duail gu deas [see illustration]; na duail gu clì [see illustration]. Nuair a bhiodh an aibideil (galair) air a’ chrodh b’e siod an leigheas a bh’aig na bodaich air: sìoman-ceàrr.

Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sìth: Quotation: Bha siubhal sìth aice. Notes: some were supposed to have this power. If one glanced away for a very short time from looking at such a person and then looked again, they seemed to have covered an incredible distance for such a short time.
Location: Skye, Breakish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sìth: nn f. ‘fairy’ : pl.: dh’fhalbh taosg às na bailtean leis an eagal a bha aca ro na ~ean
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
Sìthean: , nn 'old name for Inverness Town: [ə 'ʃi:-ɛɲ]; sin a thug an ‘Sìthein’ air an àite [= Inverness NS], ‘fairyland’’
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
sìtht: Quotation: Tha mi glé [hi:tʹ] gun d’thainig sibh a stigh. Chaneil mi [ʃi:tʹ] ris na pàrantan mar a tha iad a togail an clann. Notes: pleased, glad.
Location: Sutherland, Kinlochbervie, Droman
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sòla: fiodh air urlar eitheir, pios fiodha fo chasan neach ann an direadh neo toiseachd, eithear beag. Air a bithear a seasamh mar leac-fiodha.
Location: Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sòlan: Bhiodh na seann daoine a’ cuir am facal ‘sòlan’ gu buil nuair a bhiodh an t-side garbh no ànradh ann. Bha e a’ ciallachadh fèath no beagan uine rè an là nuair nach robh cur is cathadh ann. Bhiodh iad a’ guidhe gun tig sòlan a chum ’s gum bith cothrom aig na caoraich a’ criomadh air na cnocan far an robh an sneachd air sguabadh air falamh leis a’ ghaoith. ‘Sòlan’ a’ fuaimneachadh mar a tha e anns an fhacal ‘sònraichte’. [SLIP: A lull in a stormy day. Compares pronunciation with sònraichte – nasal 1st syll?]
Origin: [Inverness-shire, Nethy Bridge]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sòpag (-an): a large stook of sea bent.
Location: North Uist, Iollaraigh [Illeray]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sòrnach: Quotation: Bha a’ phoit-dhath air a’ sòrnach air taobh a muigh an doruis. Notes: stones built up round a fire so that the pot would rest on it.
Location: Skye, Stein
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sùgan: pìos de ròpa – meadhonach garbh – airson ceangal rud sam bith agus a ghiulain air druim duine leis an t-sùgan thar na guailne.
Origin: [Barra]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
sùgh: juice. Sùgh an fhiasgain – water in which mussels were boiled was drunk as blood-purifier.
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sùigh: vb ‘suck’: past: sh. [hu:i̯] an t-uisge às; vbl nn : air neo bhiodh i [feòil] ’ sùghadh [su:-əɣ]
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
sùil: Quotation: an t-sùil. Notes: where the fire in the kiln was placed.
Location: South Uist, Eochdar, Balgarva
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sùil: An t-Sùil Ghorm (Géiseadair).
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Cruth na Tìre / Landscape Features
sùil: Quotation: ’S fheàrr sùil a’ ghobha na tomhas an tàilleir.
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Iona
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sùil (I): Àite cruinn air leth bog anns an t-sliabh no anns a’ mhòintich cuideachd a leithid sin anns am biodh bùrn ag éirigh. Tha tè mhór chunnartach dhiubh seo (sùil) air mòinteach Uige. An t-Sùil Ghorm.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Cruth na Tìre / Landscape Features
sùil mu’n t-sròin: looking for an argument/fight.
Location: [South Uist], Daliburgh (Schoolhouse)
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sùil-an-òir: [su̟:lən̪ɔ:ɾ] Notes: “a small fish about the size of a cuddy or smaller. Has golden coloured scales which come off easily.”
Origin: North Uist, Grimsay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sùil-bheag: Quotation: Rinn e an t-suil-bheag [sic] orm.
Location: Skye, Portree
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sùil-chruthaich (I): ’Se seo a th’againn airson ‘suil-chrithach’ an àiteachan eile.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Cruth na Tìre / Landscape Features
sùil-dhìleas: ‘bean-taighe’, ‘housekeeper’. (Leódhas, an t-E. Sg.)
Location: [various]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sùileachan: an eye-opener. (Kintail – in Dwelly)
Origin: [Kintyre, Tarbert]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sùileagan: an eye opener. Bheir sud sùileagan dha. [NOTES: the slip has ‘…dhà’.]
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sùilean: when animals were afflicted by ‘galair an domalais’ this was the term given to the bubble-like feature in their excrement.
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sùisde: gus an siol agus an calg a thearbadh bho’n chomhlaich.
Origin: [Barra]
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
sùisdean: Quotation: Tha an cù a’ dol mun cuairt le sùisdean. Notes: a type of distemper (?) which causes a dog to go round in circles. [NOTES: slipped under ‘sùistean’.]
Location: Tiree, [Caolas? – one slip]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sùl eisginn: fat of an eel was used for relieving strains in both humans and animals. Rubbed into the affected area.
Location: South Uist, Iochdar
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sùlag: fork stamp. An earmark.
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sùlairean: boats built at the time of the Zulu War. Characterised by having an obtusely angled rear stem.
Location: South Uist, South Lochboisdale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sùmhlaich: gradually subsiding to an end as a boat beginning to sink under the sea. Shùmhlaich i sios.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sùnsal: Srann làidir aig an anail a mach ’s a steach mu an t-sròin (aig duine) mar a chunnaic sibh aig cuid. “Tarmod a nuas an rathad agus sùnsal aige mar a b’àbhaist.”
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
sùragh (an t sruth): sruth a bualladh air sgeir agus a dol tiomchiol, also sea going back into sea from beach.
Location: [Harris], Leverburgh
Category: Cruth na Tìre / Landscape Features
sùth-feòla-nam-botuil: perhaps an individual given name, invented, for Bovril.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
súilearachd: Quotation: De an t-súilearachd a th’ort? Notes: looking so as not to be seen.
Origin: Tiree
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Tabh: ocean (still used) very seldom – an Atlantic. Mar a theirear an diugh ’s docha is fheàrr a chòrdas riutha – cha ’eil e cho old fashioned. [SLIP: Ocean. Occasionally used for ‘Atlantic’.]
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tabhainneach: oppressive, wearisome. Means the same as ‘sàraichte’. “Tha an t-eallach tabhainneach air sgàth ’s gu bheil an iris ro fhada.”
Location: Lewis, Back
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tabhann: an offering. Also in the sense of forcing an issue.
Location: [South Uist], Daliburgh (Schoolhouse)
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tabhoinn: [t̪ɑfɔ̃nʹ] Quot.: “beathach ann an tabhoinn”. Note: a beast stuck in such a position that it cannot extricate itself.
Origin: [Lewis], Arnol
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tac: Quotation: Nach e a tha beag an taiceadh ris an fhear ud.
Origin: Assynt, Stoer
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tac-an-teine: fireside.
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
taca, an ~ ri: prep. ‘compared to : gnothaichean daor an seo an ~ ri Èirinn
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
tacan: n. ‘period of time’: ach an-diugh feumaidh tu ~ beag a thoirt a’ meabhrachadh
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
tacan: nn ‘while, period of time’ : an ceann ~ thigeadh iad a-rithist; dh’fhaodte … gun toireadh iad dhiubh ~ dheth gu a bhith ’ dol ’ro[imhe] (?)
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
tacas: an easel.
Location: North Uist, Lochmaddy, Crombagh
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tachair: vb ‘happen’ : past: th. fear an taighe orm
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
tachas: Quotation: an tachas. Notes: eczema, scabies.
Origin: North Uist
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tafainn: Quotation: “Tha a’ bhó ann an tafainn.” Notes: (Father and mother) in a bog, submerged, caught. Not in Dw.
Location: Lewis
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tafoinneach: [t̪ɑfɔ̃nʹɑx] Quot.: “Gabh an rathad; tha e cho tafoinneach dhuit a dhol an taobh sin.” “Àite tafoinneach.” Note: difficult to traverse because of the nature of the ground.
Origin: [Barvas]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
taghte: adj. ‘excellent, fine’: daoine ~ a bh’ ann; tha Chéticamp ~ gus an tig stoirm mhòr; ‘very well’ ò, tha mi ‘ creidsinn ~; is fhios aige ~ nach robh i aig an taigh;
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
taibhs: Quotation: Tha taibhs aig an duine sin. Notes: That man has the second sight.
Location: Skye, Kilmuir
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
taibhseireachd: nn f. ‘seeing visions’ : bha an ~ aig an duine, well tha an ~ ann cuideachd; tha taibhseireach’ aig feadhain … ‘s e second sight a th’ air
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
taifneach: an exile.
Origin: [Strathglass]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
taigeadh: Dòmhnull: “Am bheil bainne agad an dràsda?” Tarmod: “Chan eil taigeadh.”
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
taigh an onrachdainn: a house in which only one person lived.
Location: South Uist, Milton
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
taigh bainne: an outdoor building in which dairy produce was stored. Would only be found on a steading with a great number of cattle.
Location: North Uist, Iollathraigh [Illeray]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
taigh cathraiseach: refers to a house built on an exposed hill which in time of storms keeps the occupants on their toes.
Location: North Uist, Grimsay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
taigh tearmuinn: an asylum.
Location: South Uist, Lochcarnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
taigh-earr: an iron band to protect the keel of a boat. [NOTES: ‘earr’ corrected to ‘eàrr’.]
Origin: [Harris]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
taigh-sgoile: nn ‘school-house’ : bha an seann ~ làmh ris an àite
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
taingealachd: Quotation: Là Taingealachd an fhoghair. Notes: 2nd Wednesday of November.
Origin: Glenurquhart
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tairbhe: Quotation: “An ainm gun an tairbhe.” Notes: The name without the profit or advantage. The semblance without the reality.
Origin: West Lewis [the location given on the slips]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tairleas (m): cupboard (Perths.); “t” of article? an t-airleas, etc?
Origin: [Strathglass]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tairsgeir: Peat-cutting iron. ’Se tairsgeir an aon inneal buain mhonach a bhios iad a’ gnathachadh ann an Leodhas, ach aig amannan theid grabhag a buain le spaid. “Spadadh nan grabhagan”, mar a their iad.
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
tairsginn: inneal air son mòine ghearradh. Co-ionnan ’sgach àite, ach le “sgiath” na’s giorra an cuid a dh’àitichean.

Origin: [Taransay]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
tairt: Quotation: an tairt. Notes: thirst. Also used for the disease (?) brought on in cattle by lack of good water supply.
Origin: Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
taisgeal: Quotation: “Am bàrr deas ... ’s an géugan iosal taisgeil.” Notes: ear-marks of sheep. Deas – the right ear. Taisgeal – the left ear.
Origin: West Lewis [the location given on the slips]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
taisteal: meandering. “Tha an abhainn a’ struthadh taisteal.”
Location: North Uist, Grimsay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
talach: looking down on something you have received. “Tha i talach air an aodach a fhuair i.”
Location: North Uist, Hoghagearraidh [Hougharry]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
talan: (division) part of a house, a dividing wall: bhiodhta cleachdadh an fhacail gu h-àraidh anns na seann tighe – tighe tubhaidh.
Location: Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tallan: Quotation: cùl an tallainn [sic]. Notes: The “lobby” in the thatched houses.
Location: Skye, Kilmuir
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tanachadh: thinning. Tanachadh an tuairneip – thinning turnips (act of). (Also applicable to carrots.)
Origin: Tiree
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
taobh: Quotation: an taobh leis [tu̜lɤʃ] [?]. Notes: the lea side.
Location: Sutherland, Kinlochbervie, Oldshoremore
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
taobh: Quotation: taobh an fhuaraidh [t̪u̜n̪u̜ɤɾi]. Notes: weather side.
Location: Sutherland, Kinlochbervie, Oldshoremore
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
taobh: Quotation: an taobh-shruth. Notes: current near the shore running opposite to the “cuilsean” (q.v.).
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
taobh: nn ‘side’ : a dh’fhight air ~ an fheadhain a dhrive a-mach iad; dh’fhaodte gu rachadh e ‘-mach an ~ an taighe; bha e sa ~ beinneadh aig am pasture far an robh iad; tha taigh ~ an
rathaid; duine ‘ chunnaic spiorad ~ eile an eilein; bha ceathramh eile mu ~ Dànny cuideachd [MM]; bha e air an ~ ’-staigh agus bha mise air an ~ -mach; thug iad an ròpa eile ’-mach __ air
taobh ’-mach an taighe; thàinig am fear seo(?) taobh ’-mach na h-uinneigeadh
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
taobh: Quot.: “An cual thu ’n deach an dàrna taobh dhith?” Note: question asked about an expectant mother regarding the birth of her child.
Origin: Ness
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
taobh an fhuaraidh: oncoming wind.
Location: Harris, Leverburgh
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
taobh-shlat: Quotation: an taobh-shlat. Notes: the thwart-strap.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
taod: [tɣ:d̩] [sic] Quotation: an taod, sin agad an rud a bha na cheann.
Location: Mull
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
taod: Quotation: an taod. Notes: halter on a horse.
Location: Ross of Mull
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
taoim: seawater that comes into a boat. “Tha an taoim air a dhol thairis air na tobhtaichean.” – “Things have gone too far.”
Location: Harris, Borisdale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
taomadh: Notes: (Murdo Murray, Back) in sense of shovelling the earth at the sides of the feannagan and in the claisean, on top of the feannagan. Murdo Murray recalls an old woman telling him how she got 1/-6d a day for peat-cutting, but only 1/- a day for taomadh. Dwelly has this sense, without as much detail as above.
Location: Lewis
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
taoman: Quotation: an taoman. Notes: baler in a boat.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
taomanach: an unreliable person.
Location: North Uist, Tigharry
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
taosg: : bha ~ air cuideachd, air an òran cha cha robh mise ach ag ionnsachadh cheathramhan dheth
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
taosg: nn ‘lot’: ~ mòr do dh’fheadhainn; bha ~ eile air [= òran]; chaidh ~ do na Gàidheil an uair sin leotha; dh’fhalbh ~ às na bailtean leis an eagal a bha aca ro na sìthean
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
taosgan: quite an amount.
Location: [Harris], Scalpaigh [Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
taosgan: nn ‘small quantity’ : tha ~ do bhùird a-staigh an siud
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
tapag: exclamation given by a person, a female in particular, when someone approaches her unawares with an interjection which causes the oral, an oral ejection.
Location: [Harris], Scalpaigh [Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tarann: n. ‘nail’:dh’fheumadh a’ ghobhainn an ~ a dhèanamh; bha tàirnean bhàtaichean (‘boat nails’) aca
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
tarbh-nathrach: Quotation: an tarbh-nathrach. Notes: dragonfly.
Location: Islay, Bowmore
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
targadaireachd: Aiming, to get a thing, ’s mar sin. Bhiodh Dòmhnull gu math tric ’s an tigh aig Calum. Tormod: “’S ann a’ targadaireachd air an nighinn aig Calum a tha Dòmhnull.”
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tarraig: [t̪ɑrıɡʹ] Quotation: An do tharraig an tea?
Origin: Glenurquhart
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tarraing: Quotation: an tarraing air éigin. Notes: root of tough grass or weed growing in the peat. Tough in April/May. Not so bad in March.
Location: Islay, Bowmore
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tarraing: vb. ‘draw’: VBL. N.: bha i ’ ~ na meirg’ a-staigh anns an fhiodh
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
tarraing: Quotation: an tarraing. Notes: the chain from the main swingle tree to the plough.
Origin: Islay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tarraing: Quotation: tarraing an uinneag. Notes: loop attached to bottom of window for lifting it.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tarraing: nn ‘drag, pull’ : vbl nn: ~ am fear a bha ‘ ~ an tàilleir air a mhuin;‘agree’: cha bhiodh iad ’ ~ còmhladh idir; iad fhèin ‘s an Sasannach a’ ~ còmhla idir [iʧəŕə] [+ epenth ə];
‘draw, design’; ‘mention’: innsidh mise dhuibhse bhon thug sibh ~ air tha mi cinnteach gu bheil iad a’ ~ dhealbhannan
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
Tarraing breac: Sgadan an sud ’san so air feadh nan lion.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
tarruing: [tɑ̟rənʹ] Quotation: tarruing as an t sròin aice.
Location: Mull
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tarslan: Quotation: tarslan an fhàradh. (pl. tarslainn [t̪ɑrʰlɑ̃nʹ] [?]) Notes: rung of a ladder.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tart: Quotation: an tart. Notes: disease in cattle. The skin became dry and the beast shed some of its hair.
Origin: Tiree
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tasgadh: Quotation: a’ tasgadh an teine; a’ cur tasgadh dhan an teine. Notes: banking the fire.
Location: Lewis, Barvas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tasgadh: Quotation: a’ tasgadh an teine. Notes: covering the fire over and leaving it to burn for the night.
Location: Skye, Portree
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tasmaltan: Quotation: An d’fhuair gin agaibh tasmaltan air a’ mhathan? Notes: trail left in forest by a wild animal such as a bear.
Location: Cape Breton
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tasmaltan: Quotation: An d’fhuair duine agaibh tasmaltan air a’ mhathan an diugh? Notes: trail, evidence left by bits of carcase, etc. left by a wild animal.
Location: Canada, Christmas Island
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tathaich: Quotation: Bhiodh iad a’ tathaich an tigh seo. Notes: They used to visit this house frequently.
Location: Islay, Bowmore
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tathasg: an apparition of someone’s death. “Tathasg an duine mhairbh.”
Location: South Uist, Lochcarnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
te-shrianach: Quot.: an te-shrianach. Note: game usually played on the machair. Each player marked out a square of turf for himself and cut it into a certain number of strips (strianagan). A piece of wood was stuck into the ground a certain distance away and each player attempted to hit it in turn with a stone. If one failed to hit, he lost a “strianag”. Carried on till all but one (the winner) had lost the whole square.
Origin: [Ness]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
te-theallaich: Quotation: an te-theallaich [tʹʃeʔɑɫi]. Notes: tapered burning iron used for cleaning ragged holes in wood left by auger.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
te-theothaich: Quotation: an te-theothaich. Notes: the hemlock.
Origin: Applecross
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
teab: vb ‘fail; almost succeed’ : past: th. an spiorad orm aon latha; ~ iad an duine bochd a chur às a cheann
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
teachd-an-tìr: n. ‘living expenses’: dh’fheumadh rudeigin a bhith ag obair airson ~ a fhaighinn; bha iad a’ pàigheadh mo th.
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
teairt: [tʹɑʴstʹ] Quotation: Tha ’n crodh air an teairt. Notes: The cows have been sent out to graze before morning milking. [NOTES: the turned r used for the symbol which is unclear in the original.]
Origin: Applecross
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
teallaich: Quotation: an teallaich. Notes: the hearth.
Origin: Coigach
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
teamhar: [tʹɑ̃ũ̜ɾ] Quotation: teamhair an fhoghair. Notes: time, season.
Location: Sutherland, Bettyhill, Skerray
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
teanga: Quotation: an teanga. Notes: the plane for making the tongue in floorboards.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
teangaire: n. [ʧhɛŋgæri] ‘spokesman’: bha an duine òg a’ dol a dh’ionnsaidh an taighe ’s e ’ toirt leis an ~ còmhla ris; bha an ~ ag iarraidh na h-ighneadh
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
teann: vb ‘draw closer’ : cond.: thuirt iad ‘Nach ~adh sibh iad a-staigh gur [kar] garadh fhèin aig an teine?’
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
teann, ~ air: prep. ‘near to’ : chaidh mi gu math ~ air; cho ~ ‘s ‘ bha esan a bhith air a mharbhadh; tha e ~ air àit’ ris an canadh iad Ceap Cùbraich [MM]
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
teannachadh: Quot.: an teannachadh. Note: the tension in the cloth when weaving.
Location: Harris
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
teanndachd: Quotation: an teanndachd. Notes: asthma.
Origin: Islay, Ballygrant
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
teannsgal: fixture. Iain Lom ‘Oran an aghaidh an Aonaidh’.
Location: Skye
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tearr-an-fhiodh: [sic] Archangel Tar.
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
teart: Grazing land around the houses. “Tha an crodh air an teart” might be said of the morning grazing before cows are driven out to the hill-grazing.
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
teas: Quotation: coileach an teas. Notes: the glitter from rocks when the sun shines on them.
Location: Romasdal
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
teasach: Quotation: an teasach scàrlaid. Notes: scarlet fever.
Origin: Glenurquhart
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
teasach: Quot.: an teasach dhearg. Note: scarlet fever.
Origin: Kershader
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
teasach: Quotation: an teasach. Notes: scarlet-fever.
Location: Perthshire, Killin
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
teasach: Quot.: “an teasach shiataig”. Note: rheumatic fever.
Origin: Uig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
teasd: (death) an old expression. “Theasd e” confined to the Mainland area: Perthshire and perhaps Argyllshire.
Location: Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
teich: vb : vbl nn: bha mis’ an sin ’ ~eadh a-staigh gu tìr:
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
teine: Quotation: leac-an-teinnich [tʹɛ̃nʹıç].
Location: Coll, Ben Meadhonach
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
teine dè: a rash round the mouth. An old penny was rubbed on the affected area as a cure.
Location: North Uist, Grimsay, Gearradh Dubh
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
teine-biorrach: glow worm. “Cho luath ris an teine bhiorrach.”
Location: Harris, Horgabost
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
teineachar: [tʹʃeṉɑxɑɾ] Quotation: an teineachar. Notes: (Check.) implement used by blacksmith.
Location: Islay, Port Wemyss
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
teireachdainn: [tʹeɾɑxkĩnʹ] Quotation: a’ teireachdainn. Notes: coming to an end.
Origin: Bunloit
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
teoradh: oppressed by heat. “Tha an teas g’am theoradh.” [NOTES: corrected to ‘teòradh’.]
Location: South Uist, Stoneybridge
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
teumadh (m): spadadh a bheir thu air an dorgh an uair a dh’fhairicheas tu sgobadh [q.v.]. “Cha do theum mi ceart e.” “Chaill mi e.” No glé thric: “Dh’fhàg e mi.” “Chuireadh srian ris a’ bhradan / Cha b’e fhasan am fàgail.” (W Bàn)
Origin: Geàrrloch (Loch Iubh) [Gairloch (Loch Ewe)]
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
teàrn: vb ‘recover, improve’ : vbl nn : an còrr dhiubh ’ teàrnamh
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
teàrnadh: Quot.: “an teàrnadh”. Note: afterbirth (human).
Origin: [Barvas]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
teàrr-an-fhiodh: archangel tar was used as an ointment for strains, sprains relative to
cattle.
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Blàthan-Leighis / Medicinal Plants
teàrr-an-fhiodh: archangel tar. Archangel tar was the most accepted tar in connection with ointment treatment for cattle and sheep.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
teàrr-an-rathaid-mhóir: tar macadam.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
teóthadh: [tʹo:əɣ] Quot.: a’ teóthadh air an teine. Note: warming, getting warm.
Origin: Barvas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
teóthadh: [tʹo:əɣ] Quot.: “C’àite robh thu gu seo ’s mise teóthadh do bhiadh air an teine?” Note: warming, keeping warm.
Origin: Uig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tha: Quotation: Tha dath liath an lìonaidh air a’ mhuir.
Location: Lewis
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Tha a chaora air son an reithe: Origin: [Arran]
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
Tha ainm fhein air gach pios de’n dubhan – beag is mór an aon ainm: Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
Tha an cliabh an greim: creel wedged on ground.
Origin: An Ros Muileach [Ross of Mull]
Category: Iasgach a’ Ghiomaich / Lobster-Fishing
Tha an daorach air.: Origin: Tiriodh [Tiree]
Category: Faireachdain / Senses
Tha an deoch air.: Origin: Tiriodh [Tiree]
Category: Faireachdain / Senses
Tha an toiseach: an expression exclusive to the south end of South Uist, meaning that you do not believe what you are hearing. For example someone could be telling a tall story and you would respond by saying the above phrase, letting the other person know that you did not believe him.
Location: South Uist, Smerclete
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Tha bho leis an air: [NOTES: pronunciation spelling for ‘an dàir’?]
Origin: [the questionnaire gives Ross-shire but it is most probably meant as the county not origin]
Category: Crodh / Cattle
tha bhò ann an sàs: [cow] stuck in mire or bog.
Location: Lewis, Arnol
Category: Crodh / Cattle
tha bhò ann an tabhainn: cow in distress.
Location: Lewis, Arnol
Category: Crodh / Cattle
Tha e air an daorach.: Origin: Tiriodh [Tiree]
Category: Faireachdain / Senses
Tha e air an deoch.: Origin: Tiriodh [Tiree]
Category: Faireachdain / Senses
Tha i gus a bhi air an togail.: She is near the point of death.
Origin: Barra
Category: Crodh / Cattle
Tha iad sin ann an deagh thruim: the opposite of the above [i.e. caoilteach (q.v.)] meaning that the cattle were well fed.
Location: South Uist, Bornish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tha na rionnagan air an sughadh: stars not seen clearly.
Origin: Harris, Horgabost or Harris, Kyles Stockinish
Category: Sìde / Weather
Thainig phraig dhaoine orm: an unexpected visit from a group of people. [NOTES: ‘phraig’ corrected to ‘phràig’ and note added above ‘ph’ – f.]
Location: South Uist, Geirinish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
thairis: prep. ‘over’: chaidh iad ~ an cuan/~ air an achadh
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
thar: Quotation: thar an loch. Notes: over the loch. Tarsuinn rarely used except in compounds, e.g. fiodh-tarsuinn.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
thar: Quotation: fiodh thar an t-sàbh. Notes: wood straight from the saw.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tharrach: Quotation: Chaidh a’ chairt ’s an t-each druimeach air tharrach. Notes: turned turtle. (from druim – back; tàrr – belly)?
Location: Lewis, Barvas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Theid mi an urras leat: I will give you credit.
Location: North Uist, Carinish, Trianaid House
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
thiarainn mi: to visit, to take in an area. “Thiarainn mi lag an fhraoich uaine.”
Location: South Uist, South Lochboisdale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
thig: Quot.: (1) “Thainig e a steach air an tigh.” (2) “’S e tha tighinn a steach air an tigh.” Note: (1) He inherited the house. (2) He is the one who is to inherit the house.
Origin: [Barvas]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
thig: vb. ‘come’: FUT.: cha tig sian riut ‘happen’ … ach tha thu ’ tòiseach’ air obair glè òg; PAST: no’ [nuair] ’thàinig an gnothach thugam‘I learned it’, bha e agam; COND.: gus an
tigeadh agad ‘you could’ air an cota-mòr a thoirt dhìot; VBL. N.: tha deathach ’ tighinn [t´i-aɲ] às
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
thig: Quotation: Nan d’thàinig e an uair sin... Notes: If he had come then.
Origin: Islay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
thig: vb ‘come’ : fut.: ~ rud às cuimhne duine; thig e air car furasta; an tig agadsa air pìobaireachd no sian? ~ agad air dannsadh [MM]; ~ duine ’ro poidhle; cond.:feadhain … a bhiodh ‘
falbh còmh’ ri nigheanan ‘s ~eadh rud eadar-riutha; vbl nn: ‘succeed’: cha robh sian ‘ tighinn riutha
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
thig tilleadh ann: expression which means an illness can hit anyone no matter how healthy they consider themselves to be.
Location: South Uist, Stoneybridge
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
thoir: Quotation: Thoir a-mach. An toir e mach falt? Notes: “Does he cut hair?”
Location: Berneray
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
thoir: vb ‘give’ : past: cha tug e cuimhne riamh air an duine seo, gu robh e marbh
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
Thoir an tigh gorm ort!: get outside.
Location: Harris, Sgarastamhor
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
thoir-an-deirseadh ì: reverse engine astern.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
thug: Quotation: (Keose) Thug an cù a mhùn gu a mhaighstir.
Location: Lewis
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Thug e an teang’ as a ghlag: applied to someone who would extract the truth.
Location: South Uist, Milton
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
thug e riddalaidhs air: thug e an aghaidh air.
Location: Harris, Sgarastamhor
Category: Nàdur an Duine / Personality
thuige: Quotation: Cuir thuige an lamp.
Location: Lewis, Barvas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
thuiread: [hu̜ɾəd̪] Quotation: [hu̜ɾəd̪] an sin. Notes: up there. See “urrad” and “uthard” in Dw.
Origin: Bunloit
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
thuireas: [hu̜ɾɑs] Quotation: [hu̜ɾɑs] an sin. Notes: “Down there”. Cf. with “thuiread” and in Dw. “urrad” and “uthard”. Dw. see ioras adv. ‘down, below’.
Origin: Bunloit
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Thuit e air an dair.: Origin: [in the card index: Islay, Ballygrant]
Category: Cur-seachadan: Dèideagan, Geamaichean is Farpaisean / Recreation: Toys, Games, Contests
Thuith i anns an suil chrith: cow stuck in bog.
Category: Crodh / Cattle
thèid: vb. ‘go’:9.0pt'>COND.: latha air na mhàireach rachadh an aidheach’ a sgrìobhadh; IPV: all right, thèid air an òran a dh’ionnsaich mi dhut an-raoir!
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
tiaraineach: Chuala mi feadhainn ag ràdh gur h-e sia raidheach a bha seo a’ ciallachadh: gur h-ann bho an sin a thàinig e.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
tiaranach: (Uist) Uan na bliadhna an uiridh agus uan aice féin.
Origin: [Skye]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tide an reitheachd: when sheep are put to ram.
Origin: [the questionnaire gives Ross and Cromarty but it is most probably meant as the county not origin]
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
tigh: Quotation: tigh an eòrna. Notes: the grain loft in distilleries.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tigh: Quot.: “tigh an aon seallaidh”. Note: blackhouse without a partition between human and animal living quarters.
Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Tigh an Druma: Tyndrum. [NOTES: slip not found.]
Origin: Kill-Fhinn
Category: Crodh / Cattle
Tigh an Uillt: Taynuilt. [NOTES: slip not found.]
Origin: Kill-Fhinn
Category: Crodh / Cattle
Tigh Seisein: An Tigh Seisein – vestry.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
tigh-an-fhiaruis: fever house, or house of fever (old). When the ‘epidemic’ or fever rather prevailed in the islands. This term was likewise prescribed.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tigh-fhuarach: [t̪ɤıu̟ɤɾɑx] Note: an additional room for sleeping, opening sometimes from the living room (aite-teine), sometimes from the “culaist”.
Origin: [Lewis], Arnol
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tighearnadh: Quotation: Nach ann air a chaidh an tighearnadh. Notes: said e.g. when a person had a lucky escape.
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Boisdale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tighinn an latha: Daybreak.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tighinn beò air an t-sul: black feeding.
Location: [Harris], Scalpay
Category: Iasgach an Sgadain / Herring-Fishing
tighinn-fodha: Quotation: an tighinn-fodha. Notes: the water seeping in through the foundations of a house. (N. Applecross tiochd-fodha.)
Origin: North Uist
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tilg: Quotation: Thilg i an laogh. Notes: abort.
Origin: Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tilg: vb ‘throw, cast’ : cond.: an còrr dhiubh, thilgeadh iad thu dheth
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
tilgeil: Tha am barr-fhad air a thilgeil bho’n tairsgeir fad do laimhe a mach air sgaoilteach druim no uachdair a’ phuill, agus tha cuid dhiubh air an tilgeil fada mach air an ath-bhlar am broinn a’ phuill. Tha a’ chuid as motha de’n dara fàd – fàd a’ ghàrraidh – ga chur air sliomas ri deanamh gàrradh ri oir a’ phuill air uachdair. Tha, mar as tric, tri fòid a dh’àirde dol do’n ghàrradh so. Tha an caoran ga chur ri do chois, no faisg, am broinn a’ phuill.
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
tilgeil (m): Quotation: Bha e a’ tilgeil. Thainig an tilgeil air. Notes: vomiting.
Location: Harris, Ardhasaig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tilgeil an ord: Origin: [in the card index: Islay, Ballygrant]
Category: Cur-seachadan: Dèideagan, Geamaichean is Farpaisean / Recreation: Toys, Games, Contests
tilgeil an ùird: throwing the hammer. Cha robh seo againne idir, no aig an fheadhainn romhainn, cho fada ’s is aithne dhomh. Ach bha lorg aca air glé mhath. ‘Tilgeil an ùird’ a chanadh iad. (Chì sibh ’s e ‘tilgeil’ a chanas sinne airson ‘tilgeadh’ ann an àiteachan eile.)
Origin: Leodhas [Lewis], Uig
Category: Cur-seachadan: Dèideagan, Geamaichean is Farpaisean / Recreation: Toys, Games, Contests
tilgeil a’ chabair: tossing the caber. Mar an t-ord, cha robh an cabar againn, a bharrachd. Cha chreid mi nach e ‘tilgeil a’ chabair’ a chanadh iad, cuideachd.
Origin: Leodhas [Lewis], Uig
Category: Cur-seachadan: Dèideagan, Geamaichean is Farpaisean / Recreation: Toys, Games, Contests
tilleadh an làn: Location: Na Hearadh, Gòbhaig [Harris, Gobhaig]
Category: Sìde / Weather
timchioll: Quotation: an timchioll àrd. Notes: gunwhale. Also “beul”.
Location: Tiree, Caolis
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
timchioll: [tʹĩmiçəɫ] Quot. 1. an timchioll. 2. na timchil [tʹimiçəl]. 3. an timchioll àrd. Note: (1-2) planks in a boat. (3) the plank nearest the gunwale.
Location: Harris, Quidinish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tinneas: Quotation: an tinneas tuiteamach. Notes: epilepsy.
Location: Ross-shire, Aultbea
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tinneas: Quotation: an tinneas caitheamh [kɑhi]. Notes: Tuberculosis.
Location: Sutherland, Kinlochbervie, Droman
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tinneas: Quotation: an tinneas tuiteamach. Notes: epilepsy.
Location: Sutherland, Kinlochbervie, Droman
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tinneas: Quotation: an tinneas buidhe. Notes: jaundice.
Origin: North Uist
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tinneas: Quotation: an tinneas mara. Notes: seasickness (Jura). [NOTES: slipped under ‘tinneas-mara’.]
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tinneas: nn ‘illness’ : ~ an Rìgh [t´in´əs ə ɽˠi:ɣ] ann an Gàidhlig ‘scrofula’
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
tinneas: Quot.: an tinneas critheanach. Note: the “trembles” in sheep. Caused by the “gartan”. If a sheep goes to a place where it didn’t “get its milk” and the “gartan” is present it gets this disease. Not immune to it.
Origin: Ness
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tinneas: Quotation: an tinneas-tuiteamach. Notes: epilepsy.
Origin: Islay, Ballygrant
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tinneas an rígh: King’s Evil.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tinneas a’ rìgh: an open wound in the neck. Constantly septic and flowing. If the wound was closed, this would result in death.
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tinneas cleith: an extreme cold. “Plùpadaich ’s tinneas cleith.”
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tinneas-air-ais: Quot.: “an tinneas-air-ais”. Note: epilepsy. Cure: a black cock with no white feathers was killed and buried at the spot where the fits had first taken place. The patient then had to sleep there for one night.
Origin: [Lewis], Arnol
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tinneas-air-ais: Quotation: an tinneas-air-ais. Notes: epilepsy. Not in Dw.
Location: Lewis
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tinneas-critheanach: Quot.: an tinneas-critheanach. Note: louping-ill in sheep.
Location: Harris
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tinneasnagadh: obscurity. Dé an tinneasnagadh a thàinig air co-dhiù? The probability of arriving from tinneas, or der[ived] likewise.
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tioch: [tii̜i̜əx] Quotation: an tioch. Notes: throat.
Location: Ross of Mull
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tiolamachd: applied to an unorthodox person. An opportunist.
Origin: ‘Islay connections’
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tiolp: ‘Ann an tiolp.’ (Harris) I am not quite sure of this one’s meaning, which could be ‘in a second’, one interpretation.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tionndadh: ri side fhliuch, ma’s togaisde mhòine, thionndaisde uairean taobh eile ’n fhòid an uachdar.
Origin: [Taransay]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
tionndadh an fheoir: Turning hay (with fork) to dry.
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
tionndadh an fheoir: Turning hay (with fork) to dry.
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
tionndadh an fheoir: turning [hay].
Origin: Ross and Cromarty, Lewis
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
tionnsnadh: salvation. Nach ann air a thàinig an tionnsnadh. – didn’t salvation come over him. (Harris)
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tioraidh-oichein: hurry-burry. Am bheil e air an aon tioraidh-oichein ud an diugh an rithisd?
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tioram: Quotation: Cho tioram ris an t-srad.
Origin: Bunloit
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tiormachadh-an-àird: the ‘drying up’ of herring in bag.
Location: [Harris], Scalpay
Category: Iasgach an Sgadain / Herring-Fishing
tiorraghais: I am not sure of this one. Cho fada ris an tiorraghais. Unless it means t-shiorruidhachd fàis – a matter of guess? Perhaps some other place may have the definition.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tiugh: adj. ‘thick’ : bha an t-adhar ~ le aeroplanes
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
tobar: Quotation: Chan ionndrainnear an uisge gus an tiormaich an tobar.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tobar an déididh: one of these exists in Stoneybridge whereby if you rub this on the troublesome tooth, relief will be obtained.
Location: South Uist, Stoneybridge
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Tobar an Uisge Choisrigte: Holy water stoup.
Location: South Uist, Daliburgh
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
tobht: Quot.: “an tobht iomair”. Note: rowing seat.
Origin: [Lewis], Uig, Valtos
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tobhta: Quotation: an tobhta toisich.
Origin: Tiree
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tobhta: Quotation: an tobhta deiridh.
Origin: Tiree
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tobhta: Quotation: an tobhta togalaich. Notes: plank put across the gunwhales as a seat for fishing.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tobhta: Quot.: 1. an tobhta thogalaiche. 2. an tobhta thoisich. 3. an tobhta dheiridh. 4. tobht a’ chruinn. Note: (1) removable thwart. (Put 1 also under togalach.)
Location: Harris, Quidinish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tobhta: Quotation: an tobhta thogarrach. Notes: removable seat.
Location: Raasay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tobhta: Quot.: an tobhta meadhoin. Note: centre seat.
Origin: [Lewis], Uig, Valtos
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tobhta brollaich: an dara tobhta.
Location: Na Hearadh, Gòbhaig [Harris, Gobhaig]
Category: Eathraichean / Boats
tobhta mheadhoin: an treas tè.
Location: Na Hearadh, Gòbhaig [Harris, Gobhaig]
Category: Eathraichean / Boats
tobht’-an-fhiarais: ruins, ruined walls, etc. in which fever was associated prior to occupant’s removal. [NOTES: slipped under ‘tobht-an-fhiabhrais’. Definition: ‘Ruins of house abandoned because of illness’.]
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
todhair: Quotation: Bha iad a’ todhair an aodaich. Notes: bleach clothes by laying them outside on the grass.
Origin: Glenurquhart
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
todhar (m): Quotation: aodach a-muigh air an todhar. Notes: on bleaching green.
Location: Harris, Ardhasaig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
todhar (vb.): Quotation: a’ todhar an talmhainn. Notes: putting seaweed on the ground.
Location: North Uist, Bayhead, Kylis
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
todhar an torr dhuibh: found in January and known as rich type of fertiliser.
Location: South Uist, Iochdar
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
todhar a’ chruidh / an eich / nan caorach: Manure/fertiliser.
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
tog: Quot.: “Bhiodh iad a’ togail rudan air.” Note: e.g. when someone relates an outrageous story, attributing it to someone already notorious for telling them. Making things up and passing them on as being from someone else. Could also be a story about a person’s actions which would be in keeping with what he might do, but often exaggerated.
Origin: [Caversta]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tog: vb ‘lift’ : vbl nn: dh’fhaodadh fear a’ char tighinn dhan duine ‘m bu leis am beathach agus an damage a thogail dheth
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
Togaidh i an diugh fhathast.: Origin: Mull, Tobermory
Category: Sìde / Weather
togail: Bidh a’ mhoine air a fàgail air an sgaoilteach airson fichead la ma bhios aimsir mhath ann, na’s fhaide na sin ma bhios an aimsir fliuch no briste. Theid an uair sin teannadh air a togail, no ‘ga cur air a casan’ mar a their iad.
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
togail air a’ bhata: “Thog mi air a’ bhata e.” “Thog Tormod Donnchadh air a’ bhata.” (Thog m’ athair uaireigin a h-uile mac a riamh aca air a’ bhata a muigh air tìr-mór nuair a bha iad ris an iasgach.) ’S e ‘togail air a’ bhata’ a chanadh sinne an cumantas.
Origin: Leodhas [Lewis], Uig
Category: Cur-seachadan: Dèideagan, Geamaichean is Farpaisean / Recreation: Toys, Games, Contests
togail an ainme: naming children after deceased relatives.
Origin: [Strathglass]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Togail an Airgid: Collection.
Location: South Uist, Daliburgh
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
togail an tabhartas: collection. (Prot)
Origin: ([Canada], Inverness Co.) – Roman Catholic or (Lochaber – [Canada], Inverness Co.) – Roman Catholic or (Skye – [Canada], Inverness and Victoria? Co.’s) – Protestant
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
Togail nan comharraidhean: Nuair a bhuaileas a chruaidh tha na comhraidhean gan togail. B’ann nuair a bhiodh iad a’ cur aig airde a bhiodh iad a’ cumail cuimhne air comharraidhean grunn iasgaich. Faisg air tir ’se na comharraidhean a dh’fheumadh tu a sheachnadh bu tric a chluinneadh tu, is bhiodh iad mar rann bàrdachd ‘Cnoc an teine air Mùirneag is Seonaid air an t-Sìthean’ – comharradh Bogha bàgh Phort Mhallair.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
Togail nan lion: Tha na lin air an tarraing dhan an toll. Ma bhios sgadan annta tha na h-iasgairean air an t-slighe gu port dhan togail as an toll gu dec is a’ crathadh an sgadain nach do chrath iad asda dhan tarraing dhan na tuill fo’n dec agus fo àrd ùrlar an tuill. Mar a bi sgadan aca cha tog iad na lin gu ruig iad port. Bidh na lin air an dec gus an teid an sgadan a chur a mach.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
togail sgrum: Croman air a gheurachadh gus na feusgain bheaga sgrìobadh bhon sgeir. Ni an ceann iaruinn òrd gu pronnadh an sgruim gu pronna-bhiadhadh a dheanamh dheth.
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness, Lionel
Category: Maorach / Shellfish
togarrach: Quotation: an tobhta thogarrach. Notes: removable seat in a boat.
Location: Raasay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
toil: nn f. ‘will’: mas e [mə ̍ʃɛ] do th. e [ɛ]; bha ~ aice fhaicinn; bha ~ aig an fhear seo ‘ dhol a-mach [DAG]
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
toinn: Quotation: a’ toinneadh an t-snàth. Notes: twisting the yarn.
Origin: Coigach
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
toinneadh: Bha iad an uair sin [i.e. after corcadh q.v.] a’ cur connlaich air a’ chlosaich agus a’ doirteadh bùrn goileach oirre. ’Se ‘toinneadh’ a bh’aca air an seo. (Fuaimnich ‘toinneadh’ mar ‘boinneadh’.) As déidh sin bha iad ’ga séibhigeadh leis an ràsar.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Toinneamh nan calp: Faodaidh tu so a dheanamh a muigh ach tha e na’s goireasaiche a dheanamh a stigh, gu h-àraidh ma tha ulag an lin sgadanaich fhathast crochaid. Cuir ceann an droma troimh’n ulag is tarraing còrr is leth aitheamh troimphe, is ceangail ri tarag e dluth don ulaig a’ fagail a’ chinn slaoidte sios fo’n taraig.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
toinnte: intelligent. “Gheibh e an obair ma tha e toinnte gu leor.”
Location: North Uist, Tigharry
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
toinntean (-an): thread(s).
Origin: Baleshare
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
toirbhsgear: Ann an Leodhas ruidegin mar ‘is mairg dhaibh’.
Origin: Lewis, Uig an Iar
Category: Maorach / Shellfish
toirbhsgear: An t-iarunn gearraidh: – cas an toirbhsgeir – an smeachan – iarunn an toirbhsgeir – an sgian – crò an toirbhsgeir. Toirbhsgear agus spaid, an dà uineal a bh’air a chleachdadh againne ri buain na mònach. Cha do rug an caibe-làir no a leithid sin òirnne.

Origin: [Lewis, Uig]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
toirt an eich as a cairt: releasing horse from cart.
Origin: Ross and Cromarty, Lewis
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
Toirt an toinneamh as an t-sreang so: Ceangail ceann na sreanga so ri post no ri àite sam bith freagarrach a muigh agus ruith i eadar do lamhan dha no thri uairean a mach chun a chinn eile gus an laigh i air an talamh gun toinneamh innte.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
toirt troimh an t-sleinn: reeding.
Origin: [Lewis], Leurbost
Category: Obair na Clòimhe / Wool-Working
toit: [t̪[ɔı]tʹ] Quot.: Tha mi gus mo thoiteadh ris an teine. Note: stifling with heat.
Origin: [Barvas]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
toit: Quotation: Cha tig as a’ phoit ach an toit a th’innte.
Location: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
toit 1: n. ‘smoke; steam’: ~ an t-simleir; cha tig ~ innte; sluasaid thoiteadh [sʁ̫u͜əsæd´ hɔht´əɣ] ‘steamshovel’
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
toiteal: smoke rising from a vessel at sea, or from a house. Tha e air toiteal a chuir an àird.
Location: [Harris], Scalpaigh [Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
toll: Quot.: “toll an t-sobhail” also “darus toll an t-sobhail”. Note: an opening on the far side of the barn from the main house, about three feet high. Built up with stones. To prevent stealing.
Origin: [Lewis], Arnol
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
toll: Quotation: Tha mi gus mo tholladh leis an acras.
Location: Lewis, Barvas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
toll: Quotation: Cha deach mi a mach air toll doruis an diugh. Notes: I didn’t go out of the house today.
Location: Lewis, Barvas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
toll: Quotation: toll an tùc. Notes: bunghole in a boat.
Origin: Assynt, Stoer
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
toll: Quotation: toll an fhàsaig. Notes: bung-hole.
Location: Skye, Glasnakille
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
toll: Quotation: toll an t-sìl. Notes: in a fish – opening through which it spawns.
Origin: North Uist
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
toll: Quotation: toll an fhasaig. Notes: bung-hole.
Location: Skye, Kilmuir
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
toll: Quotation: “Sin agad an toll a mhill an t-seiche.” Notes: That is the rock on which we perished.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
toll: Quotation: a’ tolladh an fhiodh. Notes: making the mortice.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
toll: Quot.: “toll an t-siùl”. Note: plughole in a boat.
Location: Harris, Quidinish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
toll an fheuchain: hand hole for inspection of caulking in lower stone.
Location: [Lewis], Leurbost
Category: Muileann Lochlannach / Norse Mill
toll an shabhail: opening in wall for winnowing when wind would have to be from favourable direction.
Origin: Ross and Cromarty, Lewis
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
toll an t-sabhail: See 1. toll-fasgnaidh. 2. feadan.
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
toll an t-sìl: on the belly of the fish.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
toll an tùc: bung-hole.
Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
toll a’ bhacain: Quotation: Cha b’e sùgan tràthach / A chàirear an toll a’ bhacain (?) / Ach an deagh ròp cainbe / Mar chalpannan each mo sheanar.
Location: Lewis
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
toll-fasgnaidh: Note: small opening (door) in barn wall, opened to create a draught for winnowing when the wind was on “màs an t-sobhail”.
Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
toll-fasgnaidh (E): Toll ris an làr anns a’ bhalla ann an taobh an t-sobhail airson a’ ghaoth a leigeil a steach airson am bodach am fasgnadh a dheanamh a stigh. Bhiodh e mu 2½ troigh air àirde. Mar dorus beag ach gun còmhla idir ris. Bhiodh e dùinte ach nuair a bhiodh feum dha.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
toll-lodain: [t̪oɫˈɔd̪ɑ̃nʹ] Note: exit at “màs an tighe” to allow passage of cattle urine and any other seepage.
Origin: [Lewis], Arnol
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
toll-làir: Quot.: “a’ roth as an toll-làir”. Note: where the water wheel of the mill was situated.
Origin: [Lewis], Arnol
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tolladh: vbl. n. ‘drill’ bha dith [=?]-thollaidh aca, ris an canadh iad dith [=?]-thollaidh. Chuireadh e toll sìos ann am mionaid
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
tomaidh-an-toll: [ṯɔ̃miən̪t̪ɤu̜ɫ] Notes: hedge-sparrow (local).
Location: Ross-shire, Poolewe, Londubh
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
toman: an extension of the meaning ‘clump’. A small clump of herring. Tha toman dhiubh fodhainn.
Origin: [Kintyre, Tarbert]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tombaca (E): Bha cuimhne fad as aig m’ athair (1860-1947) air an tombaca aig a’ chladh. [NOTES: slip not found.]
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Bàs is Adhlacadh / Death and Burial
tomhais: vb. thomhaiseadh iad an toiseach e mar siud
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
tomhais: vb ‘’weigh’ : cond.: agus an uair ud cha thomhaisinn ach mu cheud gu leth punnt
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
tomhas: Quotation: ’S fheàrr sùil a’ ghobha na tomhas an tàilleir.
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Iona
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tomhas: n. ‘amount’: gu bith gu dè bha iad a’ dèanamh san t-seanndùthaich, bha iad a’ dèanamh an ~ ceudna ’ seo
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
tomhas: Quotation: an tomhas ciorna [əndɔ̣ʔəskiərnə]. Notes: the same way as.
Location: Ross of Mull
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tonag: remnants of thread left on a bobbin. [NOTES: in second hand ‘vowel length?’.] [NOTES: the slip has ‘tònag (pl. –an)’. Definition: ‘Remnant of thread on a bobbin’.]
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tonnan faollach: sruth agus a ghaoth a’ tighinn an aghaidh a cheile.
Location: [Harris], Leverburgh
Category: Cruth na Tìre / Landscape Features
top: “Tha top innte” (ann an caora).

Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Topan: Stialag de chloimh gheal air a réileadh ri dubhan charbhanach aig a’ phas is sios pios an calp gu glacadh liùgh le slait.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
tora: n. ‘drill’: bhathas a’ cur toll innte ann an sin sìos le ~ òirleach
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
toradh-an-abaich: miscarriage.
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Blàthan-Leighis / Medicinal Plants
torghan: Quotation: “Ciod e an torghan a th’air an leanaibh.” Notes: murmuring in complaint.
Origin: West Lewis [the location given on the slips]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tormoileadh: aimless wandering. “Dè an tormoileadh a tha ort mur sin.”
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
torra: an auger. Tool for boring wood. [NOTES: corrected to ‘tora’.]
Location: South Uist, South Lochboisdale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
torradh: Tha ‘torradh’ is ‘cruachadh’ ag ciallachadh an aon rud, ach chan eil a facal so aca air son nam monach ann an Nis. “Bha mi torradh.” ’S e sin a chanas muinntir an Rudha, gu h-àraidh muinntir nam bailtean mu sgoil na h-Airde, ged a chanas iad “Bha mi cruachadh,” cuideachd. (’S e cruachadh a fhuair mi bho chlann Nis ’san Taobh Siar ann an sgoil Lionail, ach is e ‘torradh’ a thug aon nighean dhomh a thàinig thugainn a Garrabost bho chionn bliadhna gu leth.)
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
torradh: nn ‘’funeral’ : chaidh iad sìos an t-àite ~ [t hɔrəɣ]; a chuile ~ a bhiodh ‘ tighinn gus an eaglais againn
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
tothan: we have this word for a place-name in Scalpay, thus: An Tobhan [sic] Liath.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
trabhas: an untidy person.
Location: South Uist, South Boisdale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
trabhlaich: [t̪ɾɑu̜ɫiç] Quot.: “Tha trabhlaich dhan an tinneas sin a’ dol.” Note: usually applied to a cold or some mild indisposition.
Origin: [Ness]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
traid: quick, sudden; an traide – instantly.
Origin: [Strathglass]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
traigh-shiol: Quotation: a’ dol dhan an traigh-shiol air an oidhche. Notes: going to look for sand-eels.
Location: Skye?, Braes, Baile Meadhonach
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Traillaineach: an Australian. [NOTES: corrected to ‘Tràillaineach’.]
Location: South Uist, South Boisdale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
trannlainn: [t̪ɾ[ɑ̃ũ̜]ɫĩnʹ] Notes: an ailment.
Origin: Applecross
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
traoisgeir: se seo an t-inneal a bhiodh a buain na mònadh.
Location: South Uist, Peninerine
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
traoisgeir (f): an t-inneal leis am bheilear a buain.
Origin: Uibhist-a-Tuath [North Uist]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
traoitair: used of a greedy person. Attached to the meaning of this word is an element of thieving.
Location: North Uist, Hoghagearraidh [Hougharry]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
trasd: Quotation: trasd an caol. Notes: across the narrows.
Origin: Port Wemyss
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
treabhailt: Quotation: an treabhailt [t̪ɾɛfɑlʹtʹ]. Notes: mill-hopper.
Location: Tiree, Cornaigbeg
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
trealabhaid: stuth air a chruinneachadh de sheòrsa measgaichte anns nach eil mor fheum. Bha trealabhaid dhe. I think it’s an invented form of a word, perhaps originating or derived from the English word “trawling”.
Location: Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
treanaidh: Quotation: Càit a bheil an treanaidh? Notes: a group of three – can be applied to humans, animals, or inanimate objects. First heard it applied to 3 cats!
Location: Tiree, [Caolas? – one slip]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
treas: ord. num. ‘third’: fhuair mi an ~ àireamh dheth
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
Treas lionadh: Dh’fheumte treas lionadh a dheanamh air a chula baraille agus as deidh an treas lionadh bha an ceann air a chur teann ann le bualadh sios cearcall àrd iaruinn a’ bharaille. Bha am baraille an uair sin ga chur air a chliathaich, agus air a roiligeadh le putair chun na tuba rousaigidh.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
treis: n. ‘period of time’: a fhàgàil an sin ~
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
treud: a whole flock. “An treud uile” mar a chanadh Tormod.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
treòla: [t̪ɾɔ:ɫə] Quot.: “Fhuair e treòla.” “’S e fhuair an treòla.” Note: “He got a bad shaking”, e.g. if a person fell and hurt himself.
Origin: [Barvas]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
treòlaidh: Notes: Dw: “illness”, but far more than illness – an epidemic.
Origin: Skye
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
treòlair: Quotation: An d’fhuair thu an treòlair ud a tha air falbh? Notes: an epidemic, contagious sickness.
Location: Cape Breton
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
treòlair: Quotation: An d’fhuair thu an treòlair ud a tha air falbh. Notes: epidemic, contagious sickness. Did you catch that disease that is going around?
Location: Canada, Christmas Island
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
treòramach: not physically effected [sic] [affected?] to a big extent; are you very able to go about; considering, as a welcome salute to an aged person. From the term ‘treòirimeachd’.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
treòsd (-ach, -adh): experience; knowledgeable. “Och tha esan treòsdach gu leor ’s an obair sin.” Proverb: “Teagaisgidh treòsd tuigse.” – experience teaches understanding.
Location: North Uist, Sollas, Malagleit [Malaglate]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tric: advb ‘’often’ : chunna mise an solas sin ~ [DAG]
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
trioblaid: n. ‘trouble’: cha dèan iad ach d’fhaighinn ann an ~
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
trioblaid: nn f. ‘trouble, anxiety’: bha e ’ cur ~ air an duine bhocht; cha d’fhuair mi an ùine seo a thoirt seachad agus tha e ‘ cur ~ orm; bha ~ a’ choreigin aice [DAG]; gheibh thu ann an ~
[DAG]
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
trip: : nn ‘’time, occasion’: an ath ~ a thig sibh; bha an athair pòsta dà thrip; an dà thrip [rip]
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
triuch: [tɾu̟x] Quotation: an triuch. Notes: whooping cough.
Origin: Drumguish, by Kingussie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
triugh: [t̪ɾu̟ɣ] Quotation: an triugh. Notes: whooping cough.
Origin: Tiree
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
triugh-chasd: Quotation: an [dru xɑ̜:st]. Notes: whooping-cough.
Location: Perthshire, Killin
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
triùsar: n. ‘trousers’: ’s e an clò sin a dhèanadh an ~ ’s an deacaid dhut
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
troc: carelessness, in an old careless fashion, carelessly motivated. [SLIP: Carelessness.]
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
troch: [t̪ɾɔx] Quotation: an troch. Notes: horse-trough.
Origin: Islay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
troidhtear: [t̪ɾɤıtʹəð] Note: an untrustworthy character.
Origin: Carloway, Doune
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
troig: [t̪ɾ[ɤi]ɡʹ] Quotation: C’àite a bheil an [t̪ɾɤiɡʹ]? Notes: fault, e.g. in machinery.
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Boisdale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
troig: [t̪ɾ[ɤi]ɡʹ] Quotation: C’àite a bheil an [t̪ɾɤiɡʹ]? Notes: fault, e.g. in machinery.
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Boisdale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
troigh: [trɣç] [sic] Quotation: air a thomhas leis an t-troigh. Notes: a foot rule.
Location: Mull
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
troigheach: an infantryman.
Origin: [Strathglass]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
trollais: applied to someone who spoke too fast and whom you could not understand. “Dè trollais bruidhne a bha air an duine ud?”
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
trom: Quotation: Cha robh an obair cho trom [trom].
Origin: Loch Tay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
trom: Quotation: “... Sin a’ bhliadhna a bha a’ Mhoggaidh trom, is bhadhas a’ cur an trom air ...” Notes: (subst.) ‘pregnancy’. Cf. Skye song: “... cha leis a’ bhalach mo throm, ach leis a’ lasgaire dheas dhonn.” (Sc. Studies I, 106)
Location: Lewis
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
truaghan: nn ‘poor creature’ : Màiri Bhàn, an ~
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
truimeasanaich: [t̪ɾw̃məsɑṉiç] Quot.: a’ truimeasanaich anns an t-shéidhir. Note: nodding off.
Origin: [Barvas]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
truinnsear togail an tabhairtas: collection plate.
Location: Arran, Pirnmill
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
truisich: [t̪ɾu̟ʃiç] Quot.: “Truisich an àirde do bhriogais!” Note: “Pull up your trousers!” Might be said to a boy whose trousers were falling down a bit.
Origin: [Barvas]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
trusach: (togail an airgiod – sic!) collection. (RC)
Origin: ([Canada], Inverness Co.) – Roman Catholic or (Lochaber – [Canada], Inverness Co.) – Roman Catholic or (Skye – [Canada], Inverness and Victoria? Co.’s) – Protestant
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
trusadh: Quotation: an trusadh, na trusaidhean (pl). Notes: the gathering of sheep for shearing etc.
Origin: North Uist
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
trusdar (E): Bidh e seo anns a h-uile h-àit. Agus faisg air anns an aon seadh. [SLIP: A “filthy fellow”.]
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Nàdur an Duine / Personality
trust: nn ‘reliance’ : cha robh ~ aice aiste; cha robh ~ aige an Eachann
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
truthaire: an obscene, immoral person.
Origin: [Note: From North Uist, information from Alex O’Henley / RÓM 4 Dec 2023]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tràigh: Quot.: an traigh [sic] fheamad. Note: (Put also under feamainn.)
Origin: [Lewis], Arnol
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tràsg: [t̪ɾɑ:sɡ] Quot.: “Cho tioram ris an tràsg.” Note: the straw in the kiln on which seed was put for drying.
Origin: Crowlista
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tràsg: I am not sure of this one: is it turf? This expression is very common on Scalpay or Harris if you wish: Cho tioram ris an tràsg. I have noted it on a previous page, or formerly.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tràsg: ? Cho tioram ris an tràsg. (Scalpay)
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tràth: an unusual treat in the sense of some rare food. “Fhuair mi tràth aca.”
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tràth: Quot.: an trath-mhadainn, an trath-fheasgair, an trath-oidhche. Note: the three parts of the day.
Origin: Ness
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tràthach: Quotation: Cho tioram ris an tràthach. Notes: Hay?
Location: Harris, Ardhasaig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
trèicil na bareillean beag: treacle from small barrels. An old form of expression, perhaps the same kind of treacle from different containers.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
trèist: out of context as: Tha na linn bheaga tha seo trèist, cha ghabh iad rèiteach anns an t-saoghal seo.
Location: [Harris], Scalpaigh [Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
trìleach: used to mean a struggle. “Nach ann a bha an trìleach.”
Location: North Uist, Iollaraigh [Illeray]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
trìnns: an iron dam which could be opened when required.
Location: North Uist, Iollaraigh [Illeray]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
trìsligeadh: [t̪ɾı:ʃlʹıɡʹəɣ] Quot.: a’ trisligeadh [sic]. “Bha an doctair dha mo thrìsligeadh.” Note: akin to “taosnadh”, e.g. the doctor prodding and squeezing all over the body, going from one place to another.
Origin: Ness
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
trò: trip. “Air an trò seo.”
Origin: Baleshare
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
trùdhleach: would be applied to a mischievous person, someone who was always in trouble. “Nach ’be tu an trùdhleach.”
Location: South Uist, Geirinish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tuab: an tuab, an t-uab – cattle disease, about the mouth (spelled by sound only).
Origin: [Strathglass]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tuab: Quotation: an tuab. Notes: (Tong) a growth on the gum of a cow, a hard swelling or ridge, which made eating difficult. It was cauterized in the old days with a red-hot iron. If this were not done, the cow would die for lack of nourishment. (ua as in fuaim, fuar) Not in Dw.
Location: Lewis
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tuagh: n. ‘axe’: ~, ~annan do gach seòrsa, ~annan leathann mar a chanamaid airson a bhith ’ squareadh; ‘s ann leis an ~ leathann a dh’fheumte sin a dhèanamh
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Mira Co., Marion Bridge
Category: Word List
tuaileas: Quot.: “tuaileas an ath-fhradharc”. Note: what a person with second sight saw.
Origin: Uig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tuaim-thàmh: cho marbh anns an tuaim: neo thainig tuaim-thàmh – death sleep, rest.
Location: Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tuairneag: Faisg air an aon seòrsa boirionnaich ri ‘putag’ [q.v.].
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tuairnich: [t̪ũɑ̃ʴnʹiç] Quotation: “Tuairnich an t-each as a chàrr.” Notes: Take the horse out of the cart. Pr. pt. a’ [t̪u̜ɤʴṉɑxkĩnʹ]. [NOTES: the turned r used for the symbol which is unclear in the original.]
Origin: Bunloit
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tuaithealan: [t̪u̟ɤıhəɫɑṉ] Quot.: an tuaithealan air a’ chaora. Note: water on the brain in sheep.
Location: Harris, Grosebay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tuar: Quotation: ’S ann ort tha ’n droch thuar. Notes: tuar or tuair. A poor colour or lack of colour in one’s face e.g. after an illness. “Mi-thuaral” also used.
Origin: North Uist
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tuaradh: [t̪u̟ɤɾəɣ] Quot.: “Chaneil tuaradh dha na bh’ann ann an diugh.” Note: quantity, number.
Origin: Kershader
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tuarastal: nn ‘salary, pay’ : ach bha an ~ glè bheag an uair sin
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
tuarnag (I): Faisg air an aon seòrsa ris cearchaill [q.v.] ach nas lugha ’n a pearsa agus nas òige an cumantas. (Chan e ‘tuairneag’, mar ’s na faclairean, a chanas sinn idir.) [SLIP: Usually younger smaller than a cearchaill qv. but still rotund and heavily-built.]
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Nàdur an Duine / Personality
tuathalan: poc uisge air an aonachail.
Location: Lewis, Arnol
Category: Crodh / Cattle
tuathallan: Quot.: an tuathallan. Note: illness in sheep caused by water sac on the brain.
Origin: [Lewis], Arnol
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tuathallan: [t̪u̜ɤhəɫɑṉ] Quot.: an tuathallan. Note: disease in sheep caused by a fluid sac on the brain. Causes it to lose sense of direction.
Origin: Ness
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Tuathroinnich: an older Gaelic name for Norsemen.
Location: North Uist, Iollathraigh [Illeray]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tuba: n. ‘tub’: ann an ~ mhòr do dh’uisge blàth
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
Tuba nam mionach: Air an làr ri laimh chli gach cutair bhiodh tuba le lamhan ròpa airson nam mionach a bhiodh iad a’ toirt as gach sgadan. Bu sgiobalta a bha an da làmh ag oibreachadh gu tric le gàire no òran air am bilean no a’ magadh air na cùbairean.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
Tuba rousaigeadh: So tuba mhòr cheithir oiseanach no aig amannan cruinn anns am biodh iad a’ rousaigeadh an sgadain mar a bhiodh e air a chutadh is a’ cur salainn air. Nuair a lionadh na cutairean tuba no tubaichean le sgadan an aon seorsa taghaidh bha iad a’ dol leotha chun an tuba so is nuair a rachadh a rousaigeadh ann an salainn bha iad a’ dol leotha chun a’ phacair.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
Tubaichean an taghaidh: Air an làr ri laimh dheis gach cutair bhiodh sreath de thubaichean le làmhan ròpa, agus gun sealltuinn gu an culaibh thilgeadh an cutair an taghadh sgadain ceart do’n tuba cheart. Cha bhiodh mar bu tric barrachd air ceithir taghaidh ga dheanamh aig an aon am as an aon thiùrr sgadain. Bha fear an urra ri tri criudhachan air cùl nan cutairean agus bhiodh esan a’ ruith air na tubaichean so le maide tomhais gus deanamh cinnteach gu robh an sgadan ceart anns an tuba cheart. ’S ann air cùl nan cuibhleirean bu tric a bhiodh esan agus as iomadh malachadh nach robh e a’ tuigsinn a bhiodh a’ dol gu chluasan.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
tudail: [t̪u̟d̪əl] Quot.: “Thug an tinneas ud mo thudail [hu̟d̪əl] asam.” Note: That illness took the life out of me. (tudail or sudail?)
Origin: [Barvas]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tughadh: covering the stacks with turf for the winter. The turf is the ‘cip’ (ceap, Sing.; cip, Plural) cut off the ‘carcaire’ [q.v.] and fairly dry; used grass-side in, i.e. next the peats. Tha a’ mhòine a’ tiormachadh anns a’ chruaich. Cha bhithear a tuthadh [sic] nan cruach gu bith mhoine an ìre mhath tioram. Tha i n uairsin ‘fo laidh’ [q.v.] airson a Gheamhraidh.
Location: Cinntire, An Ceann a Deas [Kintyre, Southend by Campbeltown]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
tughadh: [masc.] the thatch – could be: Tughadh connlaich no Tughadh fraoich no Tughadh de bhunan eòrna. Bhathar a’ buain no a’ spionadh an eòrna leis a bhun dubh agus ’ga cheanghail. ’Nuair a bha e tioram bhathar a’ sgathadh gach sguaib le coran [sic] mór a dh’aon ghnothaich air son so fhéin – ris an cainte corran sgathaidh. Bha na bunan so air am meas nan tughadh air leth dionach.
Origin: Eileanaich [natives of Lewis]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
tughadh: A’ tughadh nan cruach airson nan siantaidhnean le na cip a bha thu air a thoirt as an rùsgadh. Mur a biodh na cip slàn gu leòir, no mur a biodh na cip ann, airson an aobhair, dheanadh tu cip leis an spaid.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
tughadh: ’S e so a bhith comhdach nan cruachan no na torran beaga so le cip gus an dian bho shiantan a’ gheamhraidh.
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
tuigeag: introducing a hen to a baby as: Seall an tuigeag.
Location: [Harris], Scalpaigh [Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tuigsinn: [tʊıɡʹʃinʹ] Quotation: “a’ leigeil a thuigsinn an cumhachd a bh’aca.”
Location: Ross of Mull
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tuileanach: (?) Polish man __ ’ fuireachd aig an eaglais againne __ ò tha ~ a th’ ann
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
tuilleadh: [tʊilʹiç] Quotation: Ged bhiodh an tuilleadh ann dhiubh ’se b’fheàrr.
Location: Ross of Mull
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tuillig: to have an effect. “Cha do chuir e tuillig ann.”
Location: South Uist, South Boisdale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tuirn: feat. “Nach b’e sin an tuirn.”
Location: Skye
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tuit: Quotation: Thuit e ann an gaol air a’ nighean.
Origin: Port Wemyss
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tuiteamach: Quotation: an tinneas tuiteamach. Notes: epilepsy.
Location: Ross-shire, Aultbea
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tuiteamach: Quotation: an tinneas tuiteamach. Notes: epilepsy.
Origin: Islay, Ballygrant
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tula: n. ‘pulley(?)’: an fheadhain a bhiodh a’ dèanamh ~ichean ’s a’ dèanamh ailleir
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
tulchainn: [t̪u̜ɫu̜xĩnʹ] Quotation: tulchainn an tighe. Notes: gable end.
Origin: Coigach
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tulganaich: rocking. Anns an tulganaich a bh’aice.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tumarraid (I): Faisg air an seòrsa ri cearchaill [q.v.] – mór, tiugh agus trom ’n a pearsa. [SLIP 1: A rotund heavily-built woman.] [SLIP 2: A big, tough woman. Seldom used of a boy.]
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Nàdur an Duine / Personality
turcais: Notes: nippers. An turcais bheag: cutting copper wire etc. An turcais mhór: for rough work, blunt.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
turrag (-an): troubles.
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
turraghan: Quotation: Bha e a’ turraghan as an t-sheithir. Notes: nodding off in the chair.
Location: Skye, Breakish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
turralaich: rumbling in stomach. Traditionally associated with horses that were getting on in years and taken as a sign of impending retirement. Nowadays more likely to be heard as a sarcastic remark. “Do chual thusa an turralaich a bha ’san stamag aig an duin’ ud.” [NOTES: word supplied by R. O’Henley, Garrynamonie, S. Uist.]
Location: North Uist, Lochportan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
turraman: Quotation: clach-an-turraman. Notes: round boulder which can be rocked.
Location: Islay, Port Wemyss
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tutadh: ‘tuting’ [sic], an invented word, perhaps from the sound from the horn of a vehicle. When giving a noticeable hearing, or irregular breaks in composing the sound resembling a tut-tut-tut.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Tying indoors: Dìreach ceangal cumanta: sreang mu an amhaich mar a bhiodh smeadhag air a’ bhoin. [NOTES: in the box there’s an envelope containing a piece of string showing ‘snàim na smeadhaig’. It is not clear what it was originally attached to but the handwriting is certainly Mr MacLeod’s.]
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
Tying outdoors: Ceangal. ’Se ‘ceangal’ a chanas sinn (‘ceangal an uain’). Air a’ cheangal an cumantas bhiodh dà ‘choirbhtheann’, tè bha an amhaich aig a’ bheathach agus an tè eile air meadhon a’ cheangail.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
tàbh: air son glacadh chudaigean agus shùithean, an t-iasgair a’ tilgidh maoraich no biathadh eile ’san mhuir air son an t-iasg a tharruing, agus ansin, cuiridh e an tàbh do’n uisge fo’n èisg agus sguabaidh e gu tìr iad. Cearcall iaruinn no fiodha agus lion air a cheangal ris. Làmh fhada fhiodha ceangailte ris a chearcall.
Origin: An t-Eilean Sgitheanach [Skye; Skye, Glendale acc. to other questionnaires]
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
tàbh: Note: large net hung from an iron rim, with wooden slats inside it running down the sides of the net, for catching cuddies. Handle attached to it.
Location: Harris, Quidinish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tàbh (E agus I): Mur a lorg mi as t-samhradh, chan eil ainmeannan agam airson an tàibh ach ‘cas an tàibh’ agus ‘cearcall an tàibh’. Bhiodh aon cheithir aitheamh anns a’ chearcull, aig beul an tàibh. Ach bhiodh feadhainn na bu lugha na bhiodh againne aca ann an àiteachan eile. Cha chreid mi nach biodh tàbh againn E agus I mar a fhreagradh.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
tàbhan: Lòd beag mòna ’s a’ chliabh air an drùim b’e sin tàbhan. “Tormod a’ tighinn leis an tàbhan mar is àbhaist.”
Origin: [Lewis, Uig]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
tàd: Quotation: tàd / tàdach. Notes: (Keose) a feeble, ‘mem’ sort of woman / an adj. to describe such a person. Not in Dw.
Location: Lewis
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tàilleach: an apprentice.
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tàilleireachd: n. ‘tailoring’: tàilleir … ’ dh’ionnsaich an ~ anns an t-seann dùthaich
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Mira Co., Marion Bridge
Category: Word List
tàirc: A large piece. “Thuit tàirc de an pholl-mhóna a bhroinn a’ phuill.” Is ann mu rudan móra a chleachdas sinn ‘tàirc’, an cumantas.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tàl: a carpenter’s tool for cutting away surface wood. Like an axe with an arched blade at right angles to the handle.
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tàl: Quotation: a’ tàladh an fhiodh. Notes: working with the adze.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tàll: an adze. Carpenter’s tool.
Location: South Uist, South Lochboisdale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tàmh: Quotation: Thàmh e an àirde fad na h-oidhche. Notes: where others would use “dh’fhuirich” or “dh’fhan”. General in his conversation, for “stay”, “wait”.
Origin: Bunloit
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tàmhaidh am broilleach mart: a blockage affecting an animal’s health.
Location: South Uist, Stilligarry
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tàrlaid: a female of male characteristics in work. ’S e tàrlaid th’innte (fearail ann an obair).
Location: [Harris], Scalpaigh [Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tàrr: ‘Cha tàrr mi’ in Lewis usually means ‘I cannot manage to …’. Very often it would mean ‘I cannot make the time’ (to do something), though I shouldn’t think that the time element would be the main obstacle implied here. [Note added to a paper slip on tarr: ‘Do dhòruinnean ’s do ghàbhaidhean, / Cha tàrr mi ’chur an céill.’ [BL. (Iain Mac a’ Ghobhainn), 1916, p. 79]

Category: ROM Slips
tàthadh: Quotation: a tàthadh [ət̪ɑ:]. B’urrainn da trì iaruinn [əhɑ:] leis an t-aon theas. Notes: welding.
Origin: Tiree
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tèim: [t̪ɛ̃:m] Quotation: Chaneil [t̪ɛ̃:m] aca gu bheil an rathad cho caol. Chaneil [t̪ɛ̃:m] aca air an obair. Notes: sense, skill.
Location: Skye?, Braes, Baile Meadhonach
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
téisbal: an invalid. ‘Duine téisbalach.’
Location: South Uist, Lochcarnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Tìdeachadh: Gabhail air do shocair chun a’ cheud phuta, is ri stad tiota gus cothrom a thoirt don iasg a thighinn chun nan dubhan. Ma bhristeas an lion beag eadar an da chruaidh anns an togail ’se sgrioban a bheir chun an uachdair a ris iad.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
tìoradh: Quotation: a’ tìoradh an t-sìl. Notes: drying the grain.
Origin: North Uist
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tòc: [t̪ɔ:k] Quot.: a’ toirt an tòc bhon a’ chrodh. Note: the removal of a lump from behind the “arabhalg” [q.v.] in a cow’s eye when ill. The “arabhalg” was lifted by putting a needle and thread through it from behind, and pulling out. The lump was then cut off.
Origin: Carloway, Doune
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tòc: Quotation: an tòc. Notes: lump on the inside of a beast’s eyelid – cut off with aid of scissors and needle.
Location: Canada, Christmas Island
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tòc: Quotation: a’ toirt an tòc bho bhó, bho chaora, na bho each. Notes: lump on the skin over the eye. Skin was lifted, needle put through this skin with double thread, held, and slivers were cut off the lump with a knife.
Origin: Uig, Lewis
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tòc: Quot.: “a’ toirt diùbh an tòc”. Note: hard swelling under the upper eye-lid in cattle. Needle and thread passed through the upper eyelid, pulled up and lump cut off with a knife. (Also said to be in horses.)
Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tòic: [t̪ɔ:çc] Quotation: Tha tòic anns an aodann aige. Notes: puffiness.
Location: Skye, Breakish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tòlla: hold. Fuaim-an-tolla – Scalpay place-name, colloquial spelling.
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tòn-dubh: An aon seòrsa rud [i.e. like cùlan q.v.] aig ceann eile na caorach. Na h-uibhir de an chlòimh dubh aig deireadh na caorach. Aig a deireadh, gun a bhith suas air an sin. Sin tòn-dubh. A chaora thòn-dubh.

Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
tòrr: Quotation: Tha e a deanamh tòrr dhan an tudan sin. Notes: tòrr – a badly made corn-rick.
Location: Ross-shire, Achiltibuie, Alltan Dubh
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tòrradh: nn ‘’funeral’ : gen.: latha an ~ aice
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
tòthan: we have also: air mullaich an tòthain. Likely, it’s the same word [as tothan q.v.], but at one instance it’s spoken unaccented.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tù: side. Dé an tù air a bheil e?
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
tùrail: Intelligent or skilful. Tha e againn an dà chuid. Ach na’s motha ‘skilful’. Tùrail – math air a làmhan a thaobh fiodha agus gnothaichean eile, math air tuigsinn dé mar a tha cùisean mu na cuspairean sin etc. agus math agus grinn air dèanamh.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Nàdur an Duine / Personality
tùrling: falling. “Thùrling e far an àraidh.”
Location: Barra, Northbay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
túchadh: Quotation: Tha an túchadh air. Notes: He has laryngitis.
Origin: West Lewis [the location given on the slips]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
uachdair an shabhail: where corn is stored.
Origin: Ross and Cromarty, Lewis
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
uachdair an tighe: bedroom.
Location: [Lewis], Siabost
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
uachdar: Quot.: uachdar an tighe. Note: area between “dorus a’ chùlaist” and the fire in the middle of the floor.
Origin: [Barvas]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
uachdar: Quotation: an uachdar. Notes: the uppers of a shoe.
Location: Islay, Port Wemyss
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
uachdar: nn ‘cream’: an t-~ anns a’ chrannagan
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
uachdar an taighe: sleeping chamber. [Cf. clòsaid.]
Location: South Uist, West Kilbride
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
uachdar an tighe: kitchen.
Origin: Barra
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
uachdar, air ~: prep. ‘above’ : thilg e an t-ultach connaidh air ~ na pot-tì aig an fhear eile; bha e air ~ nan coillidh
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
uair: nn f. ‘time, occasion’ : agus uair heile [sic] a theireadh iad air toiseach an earraich, ‘uair a’ ghille chonnaidh’ [FMM]; Ailein …, uair a bhiodh e air a ghlùinean, ’s uair nach
biodh
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
uair-a-tìm: Notes: for ‘uair-a-thìde’ – ‘an hour’.
Origin: Loch Rannoch
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
uallach: Quotation: “Uallach leanamh dhuin’ eile.” The charge of... A bhanarach ghuanach. Ag uallach nam bò – in charge of. Uallach na maidne – the charge of rising early. ’Sann air a tha uallach an tighe. It is he who is in charge of housekeeping. It is he who has the burden of... (intangible burden).
Origin: West Lewis [the location given on the slips]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
uamhas: n. ‘huge quantity’: dh’fheumadh tu ~ a thogail an-diugh
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
uan òg: lamb late of weaning. “Sin agad an t-uan òg.”
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
uarnaigh an Tighearna: Origin: [in the card index: Islay, Ballygrant] [the questionnaire gives Earraghaidhiell but it is most probably meant as the county not origin]
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
ubh: Quotation: ubh [mĩləfiiç]. Notes: an unusually small hen’s egg.
Origin: North Uist
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ubh: Quotation: “A’ chearc air ’s gun an ubh ann.” Notes: see cearc.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ubhalabhiocuis: Quotation: Ciod e an ubhalabhiocuis a tha’gad anns a phrais? Notes: used only in reference to food. Some mysterious mixture! No idea at all what the origin of the word is. It was widely used all the same.
Origin: West Lewis [the location given on the slips]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ubhall an sgoanain: [?] [uʔəɫ ə skɔ̣ɔ̣ nɑ̣˖nʹ] Notes: “Adam’s apple.”
Location: Ross of Mull
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
uchd: Quotation: an t-uchd [əntʊxk]. Notes: the chest.
Location: Ross of Mull
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
udalan: swivel. Udalan dubailte nan robh iad ann an caigeann. 2 on one feised [sic] bha iad ann an caigeann.
Origin: Tiree
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
ugan: throats. “Bha iad an ugain a chéile.” – they were at each other’s throats.
Location: South Uist, Lochcarnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ugh: [u̜ɣ] Notes: an egg.
Location: Islay, Bowmore
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ugh: Quotation: Ugh gun luath gun salainn, an ceann seach bliadhna ni e galair. Notes: luath. Connect with muir-luath (?)
Location: Lewis
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
uileadh: adv. ‘all’: bha sin aig an t-seann fheadhain ~; do’l [nuair] ’bha ’nt-òran ac’ ~; na h-aon fhaclan aca ~ an uair sin
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
uimhir: n. ‘number’: chan eil mi ‘ dol a innse dè ~ e; cha robh ~ aimhreit anns an t-saoghal ‘s a tha ann an-diugh; tha a’ chànan air atharrachadh uimhir sin; chuala mise ‘ cheart ~ ùrnaigh
ann an Gàidhlig ‘s a chuala mi ann am Beurla
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Mira Co., Marion Bridge
Category: Word List
uimhir: n. ‘number’: dh’fhaodamaid ann an Canada ~ eile ’ bhith againn ann an seo ’s a tha againn
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
uinneag an t-sobhail: the barn window.
Origin: Eileanaich [natives of Lewis]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
uinneag an teine: the living room window.
Origin: Eileanaich [natives of Lewis]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
uinneag mhór: ‘Uinneag mhór’ was the large square window made in the wall of a house and is to be distinguished from the much smaller window which was in the thatch on top of wall and was no more than a foot in height. To have an ‘uinneag mhór’ in a thatched house was regarded as a mark of affluence and distinction in the bad old days. If a crofter in those times put an ‘uinneag-mhór’ in the wall of his dwelling, his rent was increased by as much as five or six pounds, or more. No wonder the crofter was forced to live in a “black house”, he had to pay dearly for his share of God’s daylight.
Origin: Skye
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
uircean: Quotation: Tha e direach an deidh uircean a dheanamh. Notes: said of a person who has become very tubby.
Location: Ross-shire, Aultbea
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
uireal(l): [u̟ɾɑɫ] Notes: ring put on a walking stick or on the wooden handle of an implement to prevent its splitting.
Origin: Islay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
uireasach: being restricted or limited to do anything due to an irritating pain for example. “Chan urrainn dhomh sin a dheanamh an diugh oir tha mi uireasach le’m chois.”
Location: North Uist, Sollas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
uisg: Quotation: Tha e coltach ris an uisg. Notes: “It looks as if it is going to rain.”
Origin: Glenurquhart
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
uisg airgid: water taken from a burn and a silver coin placed in the water. Water stirred supposedly absorbing the hidden potency of the coin. Water would then be thrown over an animal which was suffering from a disease or which had been cast under a spell.
Location: South Uist, Stoneybridge
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
uisge: urine. “An t-uisge aice.” (aig caora)
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
uisge: Quotation: Tha e suas an t-uisge. Notes: He’s heading for success.
Origin: [North Uist?]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
uisge: Quotation: an uisge dearg. Notes: redwater in cattle. Caused by “cartain” which carried it.
Origin: Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
uisge: nn ‘water’ : gen.: am boireannach a bha seo a bha ‘ dèanamh an _ uisge an airgid
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
Uisge an deaghaidh tiodhlagadh / Grian an deaghaidh pòsadh: a good augury.
Origin: Barra
Category: Bàs is Adhlacadh / Death and Burial
uisge beatha an t-suathaidh: methylated spirits.
Origin: Lewis and Uist
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
uisge stiureach: the furrow-like wave which follows a boat. “Dè a tha aig bàta ’s nach dean i an gnothach as aonais?” Answer: uisge stiureach or wake in English.
Location: South Uist, South Lochboisdale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
uisge-beath: Quot.: “uisge-beath an t-suathaidh.” Note: methylated spirits.
Origin: [Lewis], Arnol
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
uisge-tinneas-an-righ: water associated with the cure of the disease known as the King’s Evil. [NOTES: slipped under ‘uisge’ with ‘uisge tinneas-an-rìgh’ as the quotation.]
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
uisgeachan an fhoghair: autumn rains which can greatly vary within a small area, e.g. in a village – could be raining at one end and [be] dry, sunny at the other end.
Location: South Uist, South Lochboisdale
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ulag: hoist? My own experience tells me this is also used for an eye to which a hook is attached.
Location: South Uist, Peninerine
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ullag: Quotation: Bha cùisean ann an àird nan ullag. Notes: merriment, glee.
Location: Ross-shire, Aultbea
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ultach: nn ‘load’ : ~ mòr connaidh aige [FMM]; an ~ connaidh [FMM]
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
ultach: Quotation: “Be sin an ultach teine, uallach leanamh [?] dhuin’ eile.” Notes: Ultach – a burden carried in arms, in front. Eallach – a burden carried on one’s back.
Origin: West Lewis [the location given on the slips]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ultach monach: an armful of peats.
Origin: Eileanaich [natives of Lewis]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
uma: an appeal against an order.
Location: North Uist, Iollathraigh [Illeray]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
umhal: Quotation: Chuir mi umhal gu robh an aois a laighe air.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
unga (-chan): a certain amount of land which could be rented for an ounce of silver. Literally ounce land just as ‘peighinn’ is penny land.
Location: North Uist, Iollathraigh [Illeray]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
urad: n. [n urut] ‘quantity’: bha a cheithir ~ do dh’obair air; cha robh ’n ~ bhàird an seo, co-dhiù; na chlòimheagan mòra ~ do d’ cheap; tha mi ’ creidsinn gur sin mu ~ ’s a thig agamsa
air a thoirt dhut
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
urchar: nn ‘shot’ : dh’fhalbh an ~ is chaidh i ann
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
Urnaigh an Aingil Choimhdich: Prayer to Guardian Angel.
Location: South Uist, Daliburgh
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
Urnaigh an deidh Comain: Postcommunion Prayer.
Location: South Uist, Daliburgh
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
Urnaigh an Tabhartais: Offertory Prayer.
Location: South Uist, Daliburgh
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
Urnaigh an Tighearna: The Lord’s Prayer.
Location: South Uist, Daliburgh
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
Urnaigh an Tighearna: The Lord’s Prayer.
Location: Arran, Pirnmill
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
Urnaigh an Tighearna: Origin: [the questionnaire gives Ross-shire but it is most probably meant as the county not origin]
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
Urnaigh an Tighearna no Phaidir: Origin: Barra
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
Urnuigh an Tighearna: Origin: [Skye], Gleanndail [Glendale]
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
Urnuigh an Tighearna: Origin: [Skye, Camus Chroise]
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
Urnuigh an Tighearna: The Lord’s Prayer.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: An Eaglais / Ecclesiastical Terms
urra: adj. ‘able’ : bha iad a’ fuireach anns a’ choillidh, mar s b’ fheàrr a b’ ~ dhaibh; cha b’ urra dhomh ‘ chuideachadh gun an ionnsachadh
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Mira Co., Marion Bridge
Category: Word List
urra: n. ‘person’: na h-~chan mòra a tha ’ ruith na dùthchadh; ‘child’: tha ~ cloinneadh aige na uchd n’ achlais; feumaidh tu Gàidhlig a bhruidhinn ris an [ən urə]
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
urra-laimhe: Quotation: Nach tu a fhuair an t-urra-laimhe. Notes: sarcastic remark to a person who bullied a much smaller and weaker person.
Location: Skye, Strath
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
urras: nn ‘surety’ : ‘vouch for’: gun [=gur] tusa a chaidh an urras air; gun tèid mise an [uras] ~ ort
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
usaidh: (perhaps already noted formerly) a purse made of cloth, with a string fastening. ‘An old word’.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
usladh: Quotation: Còir iasadach smeara nach usladh an gailleann. Notes: ’Se sin a bhith seachnadh.
Location: [see below]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
uth-nid: [sic] an egg(s) left in a nest to entice further laying.
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
weaning: Canaidh sinn: “a’ togail nan uan” agus “’g an toirt bho am màthraichean”.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
Word-list copied in a different handwriting: Northern Chronicle 19/9/28 “Memories by an Old Clach Boy” (Sheriff J. MacMaster Campbell): Location: Inverness
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
Word-list dated 01/05/1976: Airson an fhaclair: Origin: [Kintyre, Tarbert]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
à(gh): pronounced simply à for faghail, f(agh)ail, a term heard on Scalpay (old term) but, I am afraid, not now. Faghail was also used as ‘an fhaghail cham’, off the Glas Island Lighthouse.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
àgh: Quotation: 1. Bu tu an àgh! 2. Ceann an àigh. Notes: 1. Might be said to someone who does someone else a good turn. 2. Person who is always in good humour, willing to help.
Origin: North Uist
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
àgh: Quotation: ceann an àigh. Notes: one who makes himself notorious or undesirably prominent.
Origin: Applecross
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
àicheadh: their like, equal. “Chan fhacas riamh an àicheadh.”
Location: Skye
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
àine: heat. “Àine an latha.”
Location: Skye
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
àird: Àird Uige (Uig an Iar).
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Cruth na Tìre / Landscape Features
àird-an-iar: Quotation: Tha dorchadas ’san àirde n’ iar. Tha ’n àirde ’n iar a’ lionadh.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
àirde: Quotation: Bha cùisean ann an àirde nan ullag. Notes: the height of merriment, glee.
Location: Ross-shire, Aultbea
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
àireamh: Ri cuairt de’n t-snàth air a’ chrois-iarna [q.v.] chanadh iad àireamh. Bha lorg aca air na h-uibhir àireamhan airson nan nithean fa-leth. Na h-uibhir àireamhan airson plaide, na h-uibhir àireamhan airson siod ’s na h-uibhir àireamhan airson seo. Bha uair a bha lorg agam air an àireamh cheart airson plaide, ach tha sin air chall orm an diugh. (Feuchaibh Nic Neacail.)
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Obair na Clòimhe / Wool-Working
àiridh, gu h-~: adv. ‘especially’: gu h-~ an fheadhain a thàinig às an t-seann dùthaich
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Mira Co., Marion Bridge
Category: Word List
àirigh (I): Tha móran dhiubh seo ’s na h-ainmeannan, mar Àirigh na Cloiche, Àirigh Bànaig, Àirigh an Druim Móir, ’s mar sin. Agus gun choltas gu robh àirigh (am bothan) ann a riamh. Faic Dwelly 2, 3. M’Ghillfh. 2.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Cruth na Tìre / Landscape Features
àirigh (I): Chan eil ainmeannan àrraid sam bith agam mu àirigh seach tigh sam bith eile, ach: àrlus [q.v.], an ceap [q.v.], crabhcan [q.v.]. Àirigh – mar tigh beag, aon seòmar.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
àm an eadraidh: milking-time.
Origin: ([Canada], Inverness Co.) or ([Canada], Inverness Co.) or ([Canada], Victoria Co.)
Category: Crodh / Cattle
àm briseadh an duilleach: this was responsible for spots and blemishes on the faces of the young.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
àm briseadh an duilleach: springtime when kids got spotty faces.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
àm briseadh an duilleach: springtime when the young faces became spotty.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
àm briseadh an duilleach: when leaves begin to appear.
Origin: Lochaber
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ànraig: [ɑ̃:riɡʹ] Quot.: “’S e ànraig duine a tha an sud.” “Bu tu an ànraig.” Note: duine nach eil uamhasach ciallach.
Origin: [Ness]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
àobh: an exclamatory reaction to a sharp pain. [NOTES: note added – adhbh!]
Location: South Uist, Lochcarnan
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
àr a mach: when people have irrevocably fallen out with each other. “Tha an àr a mach aca a nis.”
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
àraidh, go h-~: advb ‘especially’:an àm a' gheamhraidh
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
àrainn: [ɑ:ɾĩnʹ] Quotation: Cha deach e air àrainn an tighe. Cha deach e air àrainn. Notes: (1) He didn’t go near the house. (2) He didn’t go near him. (air àrainn + gen.)
Location: Lewis, Barvas
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
àraiseachadh: using an incident in someone’s past whilst arguing about something totally different.
Location: South Uist, Stoneybridge
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
àrd: Quotation: Bha mo stamag àrd fad an là. Notes: to describe a squeamish feeling.
Location: Applecross
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
àrd: Quotation: an àrd bhrachadair. Notes: head maltman. [NOTES: slipped under ‘àrd-bhrachadair’.]
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
àrlus: [ɑ:rɫəs] Notes: hole in the roof of thatched houses to allow an exit for smoke.
Origin: Glenurquhart
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
àth: aite mar bothag airson a blath an eòrna – for drying.
Location: Na Hearadh [Harris], Finsbay
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
èigh: vb ‘call': past: dh'~ [je:v] ad an duine seo
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
èilltich: vb ‘scare’: vbl nn.: bha i air e ‘ èillteachadh bhon dealanach is bhon tairneanaich; bha i air e ‘ èillteachadh clìor bhon tairneanaich ‘s bhon dealanaich, bha e air ‘ èillteachadh
clìor ròmpa; bha iad air an èilteachadh nuair a thàinig am bàs air a’ chaillich seo
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
èirich: vb ‘happen; set to; start, start out’ : past: chan eil fhios agam dè dh’èirich dha mu dheireadh [FMM]; cond.: bha iad cho [o] dona gu sabaid an uair sin, dh’èireadh iad air a chèile
leis na dùirn [MAE]; vbl nn.: tha a’ cheart rud ‘ dol a dh’ èirigh dhuinn uile latha eigin; tha mise ag èirigh a-nunn; ‘s iad ag èirigh air bruidhinn Gàidhlig; ‘s e ‘g èirigh air imilich mo
làmhan; bha e ag èirigh air goid nan caorach
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
éideag: Quotation: an éideag dhubh. Notes: whinstone.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
éiginn: Quotation: ’S e an dubh éiginn a thug air sin a dheanamh. Notes: dire necessity.
Origin: Applecross
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
éisd: Quotation: Am fear a bhios ag éisdeachd cùl an doruis cha chluinn e ni math mu thimchioll féin.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ìchrith: [i:xɾi] Quot.: “Mas deidheadh am mathan dhan an ìchrith.” “Bhiodh iad ag radh gu robh na clacharain a’ dol dhan an ìchrith.” Note: going into hibernation. (spelling?)
Origin: [Barvas]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ìlse-mara (sic): [i:lʃəmɑɾə] Quotation: A’ gearradh an fheamainn le corran aige [sic] ìlse-mara. Notes: low tide.
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ìm an iuchair: butter that would be available at the end of July. Generally held to be the best. The cream would be saved from April.
Location: South Uist, West Kilbride
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ìm-èiginn: Notes: cream boiled and reduced to make an ointment used in treating burns.
Location: Applecross
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ìobradh: Quotation: Cha do rinn e ìobradh turaidh an diugh.
Location: Skye, Breakish
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ìoc: [ı:k] Quot.: a’ cur ìoc ann an aodach. Note: putting an additional piece of material into, say, a skirt to make it wider.
Origin: [Barvas]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ìochdrachadh: Quotation: Gar do chasan s cuir ort do bhrogan is seall a mach aig cul an taighe fiach bheil an carraidh g’ iochdrachadh. Notes: heard originally from grandmother as nonsense rhyme: “Cuirt [sic] ort do chasan is gar do bhrogan is seall a mach aig cul na carraidh fiach bheil an tigh ag iochdrachadh.” Similarly: Mi fhein tarsuinn air an t-sioman ’s mo chota mor muigh ga fhliuchadh.”
Origin: Kilmaluag
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ìre: Quotation: A bheil sibh a’ faighinn ìre air an tigh? Notes: Are you getting on with the house?
Location: Skye, Staffin
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ìuslaig: a mission, venture. “Tha an ìuslaig an deagh làmhan.”
Location: North Uist, Iollathraigh [Illeray]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
òbar: an opening.
Location: North Uist, Grimsay, Cnoc Cuidhein [Knockquien]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
òcrach luath: The ash-midden. A’ cur amach an òcraich.
Category: Àiteach / Agriculture
òganach: Quotation: an t-òganach pòsda. Notes: best-man.
Origin: North Uist
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
òinseileachd: nn ‘folly [on part of females]’ : chuir sinn seachad an ùine le ~ ‘foolishness’ [MAE]
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
òl: Quotation: Ithibh agus òlaibh, tha gu leòir an tigh Sheumais.
Location: Islay, Port Wemyss
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
òlach: Note: a’ ciallachadh caochladh nithean. “Chan e an deagh/an droch òlach a th’ann dheth.”
Origin: Swainbost
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
òlachas: [ɔ:ɫɑxs] Quotation: An d’fhuair sibh òlachas? Notes: welcome, hospitality. Did you get a good welcome?
Location: Sutherland, Kinlochbervie, Oldshoremore
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ònruisg: [ɔ̃:rwʃɡʹ] Notes: an uncouth person.
Origin: Assynt, Stoer
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
òpar: Quotation: Aonghas Dubh an òpair / Aig òs loch an Tábhan. Notes: mud. Òpar air a bhriogais aige.
Origin: West Lewis [the location given on the slips]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
òraid: n. ‘speech’: bheir iad ~ mhòr seachad òran n. song’: an t-~ ràimh
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
òrd: nn ‘hammer':: air an ~ mhòr [ɔɽʈ ˈvo̞:r]; chuir e an t-~__ a hundred ninety-seven foot six e; gen.: nuair a bhiodh e ‘ tilgeil an ùird; airson tilgeil an ùird
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
òrd-tollaidh: an eight pound hammer for striking the hand drill.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
òrdag: Quotation: an òrdag, a’ cholbhag, Fionnladh fada, Mac an Aba, [u̜i:dʹʒɑɡ].
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
òrdaich: vb ‘command’ : cond.: dìreach dh’òrdaicheadh tu bho ghrunn do chridhe [FMM]; vbl nn: ‘s e òrdachadh fhèin a bhith aig an taigh, ‘s e ‘g obair sa mhèinn; agus tu gad òrdachadh fhèin
a bhith air an àite seo còmhla ri duine heile, dìreach dh’òrdaicheadh tu bho ghrunn do chridhe [FMM]
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
òrdugh: Quotation: Tha an t-òrdugh ann. Notes: Communions.
Location: Sutherland, Durness, Balvoolich
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
òrdugh: “Gu dé an t-òrdugh anns am bheil e.” (ainmhidh) – Good condition.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
òs: Quotation: òs loch an Tabhan. Notes: the outlet.
Origin: West Lewis [the location given on the slips]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
òs uas: above, over; os [sic] an tiùrr – above high-tide mark.
Origin: [Strathglass]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ùgh an dà bhuidheagain: egg with two yolks. If it was part of a brood the chick would have two heads.
Location: North Uist, Iollaraigh [Illeray]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ùine: n. ‘time’: chan eil ~ aig duine air dad sam bith eile a dhèanamh; chaneil ~ agad air; ach nuair a bhiodh a -- ceithir ’s a còig ’s a sia do ghilleana-staigh anns an aon taigh … bha
~ gu leòr airson a chuile sian a dhèanamh an uair sin
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Inverness Co., Dunvegan
Category: Word List
ùine: Quotation: Dh’fhalbh an uine [sic] [ũ̟:nʹ] air sgiath na cabhaig. Notes: quotation?
Origin: Islay, Port Charlotte
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ùine: nn f. ‘time’ : cuiridh e seachad ~ cho math air duine; dè an ~ a dh’fheumadh am buntàta bhith na phòca; tha mi ‘ dol a phòsadh an ~ ghoirid; gen.: mun àm a bha iad air a __ a’ dol ‘
ghabhail an ~ aig a’ bhoireannach
Location: Canada, Cape Breton, Broadcove
Category: Field Notebooks of Seosamh Watson June-August 1983
ùireabac: Notes: ‘the filling between two walls of stone, in [?] the wall of an old shieling or tigh-dubh’ (glutadh used for the same). Not in Dwelly.
Location: Lewis
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ùireadh: Quotation: Bhogadh an t-ùireadh ann. Notes: ‘He was easily persuaded.’
Origin: [North Uist?]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ùradh: [u̟:ɾəɣ] Quot.: “a’ toirt na stocainnean as an ùradh”. Note: washing them to take the oil out.
Origin: Crowlista
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ùrlar: Quotation: an t-ùrlar-bualaidh. Notes: threshing floor.
Origin: Tiree
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ùrlar-bualaidh: Quotation: an ùrlar-bualaidh. Notes: hard floor set apart for threshing in the kiln.
Origin: North Uist
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
ùrtan/òrtan/nòrtan: Quotation: Ma fhuair thu nòrtan man càch / Chan fhaca ban-nabaidh càil: / Carson nach tug thu gloine làn / Ga b’ann dh’an an fhaoileig. Notes: At this ‘ceremony’, after the birth of a child, it was customary to offer whisky and e.g. biscuits and cheese. Dw. has urstan ‘feast when a child is born – Lewis.’
Location: Lewis
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
‘an eallach’: ‘Fo’n an eallach’ Taking home the peats with creel or (in the case of male) sacks.

Origin: Leódhas, An Rudha [Lewis, Rudha]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
‘An Net’: Bha an ‘Net’ air a roinn ’na thrì earrainnean. Bha trian a’ dol chun a’ bhàta; is trian eile chun na lin. Bhiodh cuid de’n chriudha aig am biodh earrainnean lion innte, is bha an trian so ga roinn eatorra a reir meud an earrainn. Bha an tritheamh trian air a roinn gu cothromach eadar an criudha gu leir ach na daoine dubha. Mar sin chleachd fear tuarasdail aig nach biodh earrainn lion no ciubhroinn do’n bhàta a bhith faighinn ochdamh earrainn deug de’n ‘Net’.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
‘bonnach-silidh’: sponge. This perhaps is an invented term.
Location: Harris, Scalpay
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
‘Bottom tier’: Bha am pacair an uair sin a’ deanamh ‘bottom tier’, ceann ri earball air màs a’ bharaille, is nuair a bhiodh sin deante dh’ eubhadh i ‘Bottom tier here sir’. Cha phacaigeadh i an còrr gus an tigeadh a ‘forman’ a dheanamh cinnteach gur e an aon seorsa sgadain a bha anns a chula gin a bha anns an tier so – an aon mheud, agus mus e iuchair a bhiodh anns a’ cheud fhear ’se iuchair a dh’fheumadh a bhith anns a chula h-aon eile an so, no mealg etc. As deidh sin phacaigeadh i an aon taghadh dhan a’ bharaille mealg no iuchair mar a thigeadh iad gu a’ laimh, ach ’se an aon seòrsa ‘top-tier’ ’sa bha anns a’ ‘bhottom-tier’ leis a’ feumadh i a dhùnadh. Chan eil fios agam carson a bha so mar ar ann air son toirt a char as na ceannaichean. Nuair a bhiodh am baraille lan bha an ceann air a chur air a bheul gun theannachadh agus air fhàgail airson la no dha.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
‘Dandy’: Chan eil fada bho thòisich an dòigh iasgaich so idir. Ag obair leis an ‘dandy’ – ’se sin cuideam luaidhe air an dubhan mu dheireadh do na ‘flies’, agus ag oibreachadh na slait sios is suas anns an aon àite ann an dòchas gu ruith iasg gu dubhan. Chan eil dad a dh’fhios agam carson a chaidh ‘dandy’ a thoirt air.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
‘feadan nam beann’: I have heard this term on Harris. I take it to be an area exposed to the sea where the wind shrieks more than anywhere else, between an irregularity of rocks and holes, thus a ‘whirlwind’ causing a whistling sound.
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
‘Flies’: Bidh bho choig gu seachd gaisneanan wid air an ceangal r’a cheile le snaim an iasgair is dafuns mu oirleach gu leth a dh’fhad air a fagail aig a chula ceangal. Bidh dubhan air gach dafun so le ite faoileig no stiall chaol de chloimh gheal uain.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
‘fàile an t-saibh’: the smell of the sea, quite distinct on a calm day, at low ebb-tide.
Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
‘gille ceann beinge’: some man that takes up residence in his bride’s home. Supposedly, always an outsider thus not getting near the fire but sitting on the ‘beinge’ as when he was a mere suitor.
Location: Na Hearadh, Gòbhaig [Harris, Gobhaig]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
‘Layaigeadh’ nan lion: Mus teid iad gu muir a rithist tha na lin air an càradh air àrd ùrlar an tuill réidh deas gus an cur – na putan taobh an deiridh is na stopairean taobh an toisich.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
‘Ring-Net’: So lion mór fada air oibreachadh eadar da bhàta. Leis an lion so tha iad ga chur mun chliath sgadain anns an uisge agus a’ crodhadh a’ sgadain ann gus an tig an da bhata gu cheile. Tha iad an sin a’ togail an sgadain chun an uachdair is ga sgumaireachd do bhàta eile. Cha bu toigh le iasgairean nan ‘Drift-nets’ an dòigh iasgaich so idir. Bha iadsan a’ cumail a mach gu robh an dòigh so a’ glacadh an sgadain mus tigeadh e gu ìre, gur e sgadan air a lannaigeadh (scaled fish) a bh’ann leis a mhoran laimhseachadh a bha iad a’ deanamh air mus ruigeadh e port, is gu robh an dòigh so a’ glacadh a chula seòrsa sgadain, beag, mór agus spent, is gu robh móran dheth ga bhàthadh is gun fheum airson min éisg fhein. Cha robh móran feum anns an sgadan so airson a’ chutadh, is bhiodh e air a’ reic ri bhanaichean a ruitheadh gach sgìre leis ga reic bho dhorus gu dorus, ach bha a chuid mhór dheth a dol chun a’ factoraidh far an robh e air a phronnadh sios, an ola air a thoirt as, is an còrr a bhiodh air fhàgail dheth air a thionndadh ’na thodhar Gallda, ’na bhiadh mhucan is ’na bhiadh chearcan.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
‘Select’: Cha robh ‘Select’ r’a fhaighinn ach a mach as Steòrnabhagh is an Sealtuinn. Dh’fheumte an ‘Select’ ath-lionadh an ath mhaduinn, is a threas-lionadh an ath mhaduinn a rithist.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
‘Stigh e’: ‘after it’, i.e. encouraging the dog to chase harder, not at all in the sense of taking an animal to an enclosure, in fact the opposite.
Origin: Lewis, Uig
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
‘tigh-leghis’: clinic perhaps or consulting quarters. (Invented from an individual rendering.)
Location: Na Hearadh, Scalpaigh [Harris, Scalpay]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
‘Torn Bellies’: Bha móran de na ‘Torn-bellies’ a’ dol do thuba nam mionach. Bhiodh luchd a’ gheàrd a’ toirt dhachaidh cuid gus an ròstadh, agus gu tric thigeadh balaich bheaga timchioll ag eubhachd ‘Any torn-bellies?’ gus an cur gu biadhadh ag iasgach chudaig is smalag anns a’ bhàgh.
Origin: [Lewis], Dail a Tuath or [Lewis], Suaineabost [Swainbost] or [Lewis], Lional
Category: Acfhuinn Iasgaich / Fishing Tackle
’cruachadh: a deanamh dùn cnapach den mhonaidh an dara cuid aig a pholl, ’neo an deigh a toirt dhachaigh. Aig a pholl bhiodh corra chruach ann, ach aig an tigh, cha bhiodh ach aon té mhor fhada.

Origin: [Taransay]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
’g a do chuir a mach as an fhad: driving the two working ahead of you. When cutting in company you kept your place.
Location: Lewis, Carloway
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
’g an cur ’s an fhaing: enclosing them in a fank (’g an cur ann am faingean).
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
’g an trusadh: taking them home.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Caoraich / Sheep
’na chlod marbh air an talamh: lying ‘flat out’ on the ground.
Origin: Leòdhas [Lewis], Uig
Category: Cur-seachadan: Dèideagan, Geamaichean is Farpaisean / Recreation: Toys, Games, Contests
’s an òmhdail: in the foaminess of the waves. [NOTES: ‘òmhdail’ corrected to ‘òmhadail’.]
Location: South Uist, Daliburgh
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
’S math an dàil ga ghiorrad: when someone is fatally ill but experiencing some relief, which is only delaying the inevitable outcome.
Location: South Uist, Garrynamonie
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
“Aona ghoil an fhaochag, Dà ghoil a’ bhàirneach, ’S bùrn teth am fèasgan.”: Bhiodh seo aig na bodaich airson a’ mhaorach a bhruiche.
Origin: Lewis, Uig an Iar
Category: Maorach / Shellfish
“Bhrist sinn an la.”: Tha sin a’ ciallachadh gun tainig air an sgiobadh sgur a bhuain leis an droch la gun an obair a chriochnachadh. Bha cuid do dhaoine ann is bha e eu-comasach dhaibh la math buain a bhith aca. Bha iad so somhraichte anns gach baile agus dh’fheuchadh muinntir eile a’ bhaile an la shuidhicheadh iadsan a sheachnadh gu buain iad fhein.
Location: Lewis, Port of Ness
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
“Bodach an t-Siabuinn”: Lord Leverhulme. Bha ainm eile aig feadhainn air thall an Uig againne: “Bodach Logger”.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
“Calum an t-Sabhail”: An gobhlachan, crane fly.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
“Cha robh reothadh an loin làin riamh buan.”: Origin: Tiree
Category: Sìde / Weather
“Cha tainig a leithid seo a shìde bho’n a thilg an tràigh na lugachan.”: associated with extreme weather conditions when the shore was churned up and all its contents piled up at the high water mark.
Location: South Uist, Iochdar, Baile Gharbhaidh [Balgarva]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
“chaidh e cho geal ris an anart”: his face turned white as a sheet.
Location: Na Hearadh [Harris], Horgabost
Category: Coltas an Duine / Personal Appearance
“cho bodhar ris an talamh”: Location: [Harris], Leverburgh, Kintulavaig
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
“dhà air aonan is aonan air a dhà”: an doigh togail.
Origin: Geàrrloch (Loch Iubh) [Gairloch (Loch Ewe)]
Category: Taigh Gàidhealach / House and Furnishings
“Do sheanmhair a stigh an sin!”: ’Se seo a chanadh sinne ri cù aig toll airson gu’n tòisicheadh e a’ sgrìobadh. Agus abair gu’n deanadh e sin! [NOTES: slipped under ‘seanmhair’.]
Origin: Leòdhas, [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Stuigeadh Coin / Encouraging a Dog
“Fan air d’ais”, “Fan a mach.”: ’Ga tharruing air ais a’ dol a mach air an sgrìob. Chan ann ’ga chasg air an sgrìob ach ’ga thoirt air falbh na’s fhaide a mach bho na caoraich. Cuideachd ’ga thoirt air a ais an aghaidh ’s mar a bha e roimhe. [NOTES: slipped under ‘fan’.]
Origin: Leòdhas, [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Stuigeadh Coin / Encouraging a Dog
“keppar”: a “piece” to a boy or girl. (Stoer, Assynt) The “keppar” always consisted of a scone (flour) for preference or an oatcake with fresh butter and at least an inch of crowdie. “Hor ‘keppar’ dhan a bhallach!” – usually if the housewife was baking.
Origin: Assynt, Stoer
Category: Biadh is Deoch / Food and Drink
“latha eadar an da shian”: a “pet” of a day.
Origin: Harris, Horgabost or Harris, Kyles Stockinish
Category: Sìde / Weather
“Ma thà tha mi!”: (Do an chluais mar: ma hà hammy (faisg air có dhiu).) Bidh lorg gu math aig Ruairidh, am profeasar, mu an tè-sa. Bha i dol strong ann an Leòdhas bho bha Ruairidh ’na ruaganach balaich. Bidh fhios agaibh fhéin, chanainn, agus sibh cho seorp, dé mar a tha i air a cleachdadh. “Yes indeed.” “I would think so.” “To be sure.” ’S mar sin, ’s mar sin.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
“mar an caineal”: sin a chanaiste ris a mhonaidh a b’fhearr – gu robh i “mar an caineal”. Neo gun gabhadh i “mar na coinnlean”. Tha e annasach mothachadh gu can cuid de na meineirean ris a ghual chruaidh, shleamhuinn a tha fo ainm “purrit coal” – “canal” or “cannal”.
Origin: [Taransay]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
“Murchadh na Mòinteach”: An gobhlachan, crane fly.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
“one in sight”: Nuair a bhiodh iad a’ tarruing an lìn-bhig agus a nochdadh a’ cheud bheathach – leòbag, no adag, no cnòdan, no eile – chanadh iad “one in sight”. Mar a bhiodh a’ chùis a’ dol air adhart chanadh iad “one in sight, six aboard”. Cleachdadh na h-Airde an ear (Ceann Phàdruig ’s a Bhruaich etc.) tha mi ’n dùil. Ach am bodach-sa (b’aithne dhomh e gu math), bhiodh e ag ràdh nuair a bha easan [sic] òg gu’n canadh na bodaich ri leithid “one in sight”, “min am balg”. Sin agad tè mhath.
Origin: [Lewis, Uig an Iar]
Category: Measgaichte / Miscellaneous
“riasg”: mar bu trice a’ cheud fhàd. Bha e car aodram an cuideam san dath, sgun moran cosg aige.
Origin: [Taransay]
Category: Mòine / Peat-Working
“Tha an cù a dol cas orra.”: Tha e dol faisg air na caoraich. A’ dol cas riutha:

Origin: Leòdhas, [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Stuigeadh Coin / Encouraging a Dog
“tha do bheul a’ dol an uachdar ort”: meaning “tha do chridhe a’ mireag riut” – a cluinntin leanabh a gàireachdainn. [NOTES: there is F next to this item possibly to indicate that it was provided by Flora MacLeod.]
Location: Harris, Sgarastamhor
Category: Nàdur an Duine / Personality
“Thig gu mo chois”, “Gu mo chois.”: A’ toirt a’ choin thugad. Come ahint. “Come(r) ahint” (mar a bhiodh aig fear Port a’ Chuilinn [?]) Anns na Hearadh, an àiteachan có dhiù, ’se “cùl nan cas” a chanas iad ri “Gu mo chois” againne. [NOTES: slipped under ‘cas’.]
Origin: Leòdhas, [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Stuigeadh Coin / Encouraging a Dog
”Sig!”, “Sig a mach á sin.”: ’Se seo a chanas sinne ri cù airson a teiche as an rathad ort agus laighe. [NOTES: slipped under ‘sig!’.]
Origin: Leòdhas, [Lewis], Uig an Iar
Category: Stuigeadh Coin / Encouraging a Dog

^ Return To Top ^

< Back to results

Search the Fieldwork Archive

Search

There were 7203 hits for AN