Qualtagh

Quick meaning: Qualtagh is a noun meaning (Isle of Man) The first person one encounters, either after leaving one's home or (sometimes) outside one's home, especially on New Year's Day; a first-foot.

Meaning

(Isle of Man) The first person one encounters, either after leaving one's home or (sometimes) outside one's home, especially on New Year's Day; a first-foot.

Example Sentences

Who would the ‘Qualtagh’ to a parish be?

The "White Boys," the "Hunt the Wren Boys," and "Quaaltaghs" received the dessert.

"I should be the first-foot here, only I'm no use as a qualtagh," said Philip. / "Why not?" / "I'm a fair man, and would bring you no luck, you know."

A company of young lads or men, generally went in old times on what they termed the Qualtagh, at Christmas or New Year's Day to the house of their more wealthy neighbours; some one of the company repeating in an audible voice the following rhyme:– […] they were then invited in to partake of the best that the house could afford.

Word Forms

• qualtaghs
• quaaltagh

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include quaaltagh, taigheirm, comeover, land, itinerant, ogtiern.

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