Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1952 (SND Vol. III).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
†EARL, v. To engage for service by payment of a sum; fig., to pledge. See also Arle, v., id.Rnf. 1806 R. Tannahill Poems (1815) 163:
The heav'nly vow I got, That earl'd her my own.Lnk. 1881 A. Wardrop J. Mathison's Courtship, etc. 80:
Wha ance unconsciously were earled In some drink den.
Vbl.n. earlin', a pledge, the giving of Arles (Lnk. 1808 W. Watson Poems 67); see also Arling.
