rullion

noun

rul·​lion

ˈrəlyən

plural -s

chiefly Scottish

: a large rough-looking person or creature

Word History

Etymology

probably from obsolete English (Scots) rullion shoe made of untanned leather, probably alteration of Middle English (Scots) rewelin, rewling shoe of rawhide, from Old English rifeling; perhaps akin to Old English gehriflian to wrinkle, shrivel

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!