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Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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First published 1960 (SND Vol. V).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

†HOWDLE, v., n. Also houdle. [′hʌudl]

I. v. 1. To move with a rocking or bumping motion, to walk with an uneven gait, to limp. Hence howdler, one who walks in this manner (Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 81); to rock to sleep (Ib.).Abd. 1824 G. Smith Douglas 96:
Dancin', and tumblin', and houdlin', Wi' men, and wi' wives, and wi' weans.Sc. 1844 Chambers's Jnl. (27 July) 58:
John, what'n a pea-hotch is this? Div ye ca't a coach? let me oot! Div ye think I'll sit howdling here a' night?Ags. c.1870 W. Lindsay Sair'd him richt 14:
An' howdlin' Meg Low wi' ae shouther agee.Mearns² 1925:
He cam howdlin' alang the slippery road.

2. With about: to carry clumsily or with difficulty (Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 81).

3. intr. To crowd together, to swarm, to mill about, to move about in a crowd (Fif. 1825 Jam.). Cf. Howder, v.¹, 3.Fif. 1864 W. D. Latto T. Bodkin iv.:
The muir was perfectly houdlin' wi' the feathered creation.

¶4. To conceal, hide.Per. 1937 Scots Mag. (May) 142:
Whan hills are howdled in the snaw I plank my rit upon a wa'.

II. n. 1. A halting gait, a limp (Bnff. 1880 Jam.).

2. A swarm or crowd in motion (Fif. 1825 Jam.); a group of people crowded together; a heap.Fif. 1827 W. Tennant Papistry Storm'd 203:
A howdle o' hog-showtherin' freirs, Augustines, Carm'leits, Cordeliers.Fif. 1957:
Aa in a howdle = all in a heap. A howdle o bairns = a swarm of children, a large family.