Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1965 (SND Vol. VI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

MUDDLE, v. Sc. usages:

1. To grub about in the soil or in dirty conditions with the fingers, esp. to work potatoes away from the root by hand so that the stem remains undisturbed (Uls. 1880 Patterson Gl.; Sh., Ayr. 1963); fig. to feel one's way or carry out a job in a secretive manner (Ayr. 1825 Jam.); to pilfer, steal (Rnf. 1837 Crawfurd MSS. XI. 319). Hence muddler, a pilferer.Ayr. 1822 Galt Sir A. Wylie xxxv.:
I'll gang warily and cannily ouer to Castle Rooksborough mysel', and muddle about the root o' this affair till I get at it.Ayr. 1823 Galt Entail lxi.:
He felt the cauld hand o' Death muddling about the root o' life.Ags. 1833 J. Kennedy G. Chalmers 150:
Aul' thieves are coorse hangmen, especially muddlers o' potatoes.Rnf. a.1850 Crawfurd MSS. (N.L.S.) M. 69:
Muddle. Innocently to take away some young partartows with the hand from a shaw to see the progress of them.

†2. To tickle a person while lying on top of him to prevent his escape (Cld. 1825 Jam.).

†3. To have sexual intercourse with (Sc. 1825 Jam.).