ˈward-hill Orkney and Shetland.
Also wart-hill, wardill.
[f. ward n.2 (after ON. varða, varð-r beacon) + hill n.]
A beacon hill.
| ? a 1680 in W. Macfarlane Geogr. Coll. (S.H.S.) III. 252 Fabrics..from the top of which when there was any imminent danger, they made a sign by fire one to another. The like they did from Promontories or Wart Hills. 1797 Encycl. Brit. (ed. 3) XIII. 499/2 The alarm was given by the beacons lighted on the tops of the rocks and highest mountains. These beacons, known by the name of ward-hills, are still to be seen in every island. 1822 J. Laing Voy. Spitzbergen 20 Along the shores are a great many ancient towers, originally known by the name of Burrows or Duns; but by the inhabitants they are now called Wart or Wardhills. |