later Dilly-bag
anaboriginal word, coming from Queensland, for a bag made eitherof grasses or of fur twisted into cord. Dhilla is theterm for hair in Kabi dialect, Mary River, Queensland. Dirrang and jirra are corresponding words in theeast of New South Wales. The aboriginal word dilli hasbeen tautologically increased to dilly-bag, and the wordis used by bushmen for a little bag for odds-and-ends, eventhough made of calico or holland.
1847. L. Leichhardt, `Overland Expedition,' p. 90:
«In their `dillis' (small baskets) were several roots ortubers.»
Ibid. p. 195:
«A basket (dilli) which I examined was made of a species ofgrass.»
1885. R. M. Praed, `Australian Life,' p. 34:
«I learned too at the camp to plait dilly-bags.»
1890. Rolf Boldrewood, `Colonial Reformer,' c. xvii. p. 210:
«Mayboy came forward dangling a small dilly-bag.»
1896. A.J. North, `Report of Australian Museum,' p. 26:
«Dilly-bag (partly wool and partly grass).»