Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

Hide Quotations Hide Etymology

Abbreviations Cite this entry

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

NAEL, n. Also nile (Gall. 1925 Trans. Dmf. & Gall. Antiq. Soc. 33), ny(v)le, nyvel. Sc. forms of Eng. navel. For vocalisation of v see P.L.D. § 70.1. Comb. naelstring, the umbilical cord (Gall. 1824 MacTaggart Gallov. Encycl. 356; w. and s.Sc. 1887 Jam.). [nəi(v)l]Sc. 18th c. Merry Muses (1911) 55:
Come nidge me o'er the nyvle.Fif. 1825 Jam.:
“Her nyle's at her mou ”, a coarse phrase applied to a woman far advanced in pregnancy.