sgàileadh de fhodar | when hardening seeds on a kiln a covering of fodder was placed on the wooden straps (ciuillan [sic]), which stretched halfway across the circle at the top of a kiln. This prevented the seed from being burnt. |
gealabhan | the fire in a kiln. |
feadan | was the flue of a kiln. |
buailltain | a wooden club rounded at one end with a hollow right through it. A strip of sheepskin was put through this hollow which you gripped in your hand instead of a rope. A flail used to strike corn. |
pill | a bit of canvas onto which the corn would be placed prior to chaffing to give a clean base. |
sgóip (sgóib?) | chaff. |
spaideadh | process whereby the ears of corn were taken off by a spade which was regularly plunged into a tub containing the corn. |
bòrd nigheadaireachd | washing board. |
ruladh | rinse. |
peachadh | panting for breath. |
cnòtag | a cylindrical object which tapered towards its bottom. Inside this there was a bit of wood with a handle at the top which manoeuvred the wood inside the cylinder. It was used for taking the chaff off corn. For small scale use, e.g. when making breakfast. |
innein cloich | a stone anvil. |
gùite | like a sieve without holes. Round wooden frame and wooden or sheepskin base. Seed placed in this and the excess dirt or chaff blew away. Used outdoors. |
mih [sic] | a balance used for measuring amounts of wool. A simple bit of wood with a hook at each end placed on a wooden stand. |
leaba mhór | box bed. |
riaghailt de thalamh | a certain amount of land not excessive and not too little. |
riasladh | hotch potch work. |
riaslach | applied to a person who is always struggling to make ends meet. |
sealbhag | sorrel. Found in old lazy beds. Prevented the dye from running in material. |
alm | prevented the dye from washing out. |
goille sgairbh | one of its entrails placed in a vessel and salt added. Then hung up to dry. Used as rennet. |
deisginn choineineach | rabbit’s entrails used for the same purpose as above [i.e. as rennet, cf. goille sgairbh]. |
gruaigainean | a particular type of cattle noted for their shagginess, hairiness. |
cailleachan uisge | soggy potatoes. |
glaodhain | excess potato after the useful bits were kept for seed. |
buntata slisneach | that part of the potato used for seed. |
maide pronnaidh | instrument for mashing potatoes. |
buntata pronn | mashed potatoes. |
min bhuidhe | mixed with white flour to give a yellow texture to scones, etc. |
slamhcan | something like Irish moss. Found on rocks on the shore. Heated in milk and eaten as a sweet, pudding. Not sure as to its exact composition. |
leac bonnaich | this slab was kept next to the fire. When the gridle [sic] cooked the bottom of a scone, the scone was then placed on its side beside this slab so as the other side would cook. |
carabhidh | caraway seeds. On St. Michael’s day a special cheese was prepared containing caraway seeds. |
giurnlair | a meal chest with two compartments, one for oatmeal and one for white flour. Used as a refrigerator since puddings could be kept fresh if stored in this chest. Usually buried beneath the oatmeal since that meal was not used so often as the white meal. |
eunstrathul | applied to a cumbersome looking woman, e.g. a woman wearing men’s shoes which were miles too big for her. |
cnodag (-an) | affectionate term for daughters. Often carries on beyond childhood. “Na cnodagan agamsa.” |
sùl eisginn | fat of an eel was used for relieving strains in both humans and animals. Rubbed into the affected area. |
bloinig circe | hen’s fat also used to relieve strains. Also used for cuts, especially hacks on your hands (gàgan). |
sugh nan duilleag | not sure of exact plant but was used to alleviate constipation. Boiled and the liquid was drank [sic]. |
cuach Phàdruig | used for replenishing the skin on an open ulcer. The leaf placed over the cut. |
tuisleadh aisainneach | miscarriage. |