Definitions

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • noun Scotland A man; a fellow, chap.

Etymologies

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License

From Scots chield, apparently a variant form of child retained in specific senses.

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Examples

  • ‘Aweel, ’ said the postilion, ‘it might be sae—I canna say against it, for I was not in the country at the time; but John Wilson was a blustering kind of chield, without the heart of a sprug.

    Chapter XI 1917

  • 'Aweel,' said the postilion, 'it might be sae, I canna say against it, for I was not in the country at the time; but John Wilson was a blustering kind of chield, without the heart of a sprug.'

    Guy Mannering — Complete Walter Scott 1801

  • a blustering kind of chield, without the heart of a sprug. '

    Guy Mannering, Or, the Astrologer — Volume 01 Walter Scott 1801

  • a blustering kind of chield, without the heart of a sprug. '

    Guy Mannering, Or, the Astrologer — Complete Walter Scott 1801

  • Wilson was a blustering kind of chield, without the heart of a sprug.’

    Guy Mannering 1815

  • But the father is a dour chield; depend upon it, he has bred up the young filly on the curb-rein, and that has made the poor thing start off the course.

    The Surgeon's Daughter 2008

  • Craig-inguilt just now, he is as likely to be Craig-inperil as ony chield

    The Bride of Lammermoor 2008

  • “Do so, my bonny chield; thou hast sharp ears and eyes, and good will — but take heed — I would not lose thee for two and a plack [an homely Scottish expression for something you value].”

    Quentin Durward 2008

  • See this chield Moniplies, sir, and tell him what we have done for Lord

    The Fortunes of Nigel 2004

  • Where, however, the bursary or scholarship is granted to an employee, or to a relative of an employee (for example, the employee's chield) in consequence of services rendered, the exemption is subject to certain conditions.

    ANC Daily News Briefing 1992

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