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A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)

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About this entry:
First published 1937 (DOST Vol. I).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Bable, Babill, n. Also: babil(e, babal. [ME. babyll, babulle (14th c.), OF. babel, baubel, child's toy, play-thing, gewgaw.]

1. A fool's bauble. Also comb. babill-berar.(1) a1500 Prestis Peblis 503.
He tuke his club and ane bable in his hand c1500-c1512 Dunb. xlii. 36.
Scorne wes bourdour in the hall, And oft on me his babill schuke Id. lix. 23.
Gar deliver him ane babile 1600 Hamilton Facile Tr. 80.
As a fule vill not gif his bable for the toure of Lon (as the prouerb is)(2) 1540 Lynd. Sat. 2607 (B).
This babill beraris [Ch. babil beirers] and thir bairdis

2. A trifle; a trifling thing or person. 1562-3 Winȝet I. 78/25.
Ane gesting-stok, ane fable or bable to lach at 1570 Sat. P. xxiv. 27.
Thow, vaine bable, bouistrit vp in pryde 1615 Lett. & St. P. Jas. VI 257.
Debosched drunkin babillis