Measgaichte / Miscellaneous

Informant(s)
Name
Mary MacMillan
Location
South Uist, Iochdar
Date
[1987-88]
Fieldworker
A. O’Henley
sgàileadh de fhodarwhen 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.
gealabhanthe fire in a kiln.
feadanwas the flue of a kiln.
buailltaina 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.
pilla bit of canvas onto which the corn would be placed prior to chaffing to give a clean base.
sgóip (sgóib?)chaff.
spaideadhprocess whereby the ears of corn were taken off by a spade which was regularly plunged into a tub containing the corn.
bòrd nigheadaireachdwashing board.
ruladhrinse.
peachadhpanting for breath.
cnòtaga 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 cloicha stone anvil.
gùitelike 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 mhórbox bed.
riaghailt de thalamha certain amount of land not excessive and not too little.
riasladhhotch potch work.
riaslachapplied to a person who is always struggling to make ends meet.
sealbhagsorrel. Found in old lazy beds. Prevented the dye from running in material.
almprevented the dye from washing out.
goille sgairbhone of its entrails placed in a vessel and salt added. Then hung up to dry. Used as rennet.
deisginn choineineachrabbit’s entrails used for the same purpose as above [i.e. as rennet, cf. goille sgairbh].
gruaigaineana particular type of cattle noted for their shagginess, hairiness.
cailleachan uisgesoggy potatoes.
glaodhainexcess potato after the useful bits were kept for seed.
buntata slisneachthat part of the potato used for seed.
maide pronnaidhinstrument for mashing potatoes.
buntata pronnmashed potatoes.
min bhuidhemixed with white flour to give a yellow texture to scones, etc.
slamhcansomething 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 bonnaichthis 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.
carabhidhcaraway seeds. On St. Michael’s day a special cheese was prepared containing caraway seeds.
giurnlaira 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.
eunstrathulapplied 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 eisginnfat of an eel was used for relieving strains in both humans and animals. Rubbed into the affected area.
bloinig circehen’s fat also used to relieve strains. Also used for cuts, especially hacks on your hands (gàgan).
sugh nan duilleagnot sure of exact plant but was used to alleviate constipation. Boiled and the liquid was drank [sic].
cuach Phàdruigused for replenishing the skin on an open ulcer. The leaf placed over the cut.
tuisleadh aisainneachmiscarriage.

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