skelf

skelf (skelf) - (Scot.) n., a thin flat flake, a slice, a splinter (esp. one that gets under the skin), a large flake of snow; (fig.) a thin small insignificant person.


Hence also skelvie, (of snow) in large flakes. Exact etymology unclear but probably at least influenced by Dutch schelf, a scale/flake/wood-splinter, and somehow skelf meaning a shelf/something split off seems to be invoved.

---L.