Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1971 (SND Vol. VIII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

SPALD, v., n. Also spaul(d) (Jam.); spowl (Cai.). [spɑ:l(d); Cai. spʌul]

I. v. 1. tr. To split, lay open (Sc. 1880 Jam.), Obs. in Eng. exc. n. dial. Hence spaldin(g), a dried fish split open (Sc. 1825 Jam.), spaldin-knife, a knife used for splitting fish (Sc. 1880 Jam.).Abd. 1876 R. Dinnie Songs 102:
An' up on the hillock sat Aberdeen Kate, Wi' haddies an' spaldins, and rowth o' fresh skate.

2. intr. (1) To push out the limbs feebly, as a dying animal (Sc. 1825 Jam.).

(2) To take long strides; to stride out (Cai. 1971, spowl). Cf. Speld.Cai. 1928:
He gied spowlin' past them.

II. n. A feeble stretching of the limbs (Cld. 1825 Jam.); a long stride (Cai. 1920–71, spowl).