hanch-man

Updated: November 27, 2024

There is, he continued, stopping and drawing himself proudly up, while he counted upon his fingers the several officers of his chief's retinue 'there is his HANCH-MAN, or right-hand man; then his BARDH, or poet; then his BLADIER, or orator, to make harangues to the great folks whom he visits; then his GILLY-MORE, or armour-bearer, to carry his sword and target, and his gun; then his GILLY CASFLIUCH, who carries him on his back through the sikes and brooks; then his GILLY-COMSTRIAN, to lead his horse by the bridle in steep and difficult paths; then his GILLY-TRUSHHARNISH, to carry his knapsack; and the piper and the piper's man, and it may be a dozen young lads besides, that have no business, but are just boys of the belt, to follow the laird, and do his honour's bidding.

Sir Walter Scott - Waverley: or, 'Tis sixty years since