1. Plural of carlin; an old woman or hag, especially in Scottish or Northern English dialect.
Usage: chiefly Scottish and Northern English; archaic or dialectal; often considered derogatory
2. Plural of carlin; a type of pea or bean plant, or its seeds, used as food.
Usage: chiefly British; archaic or regional

Examples

• The old carlins gathered in the village square to gossip.
• In Scottish folklore, the carlins were said to possess ancient wisdom.
• The farmer grew carlins in his garden for the winter harvest.
• The recipe called for dried carlins soaked overnight.
• Local carlins remembered stories from centuries past.