A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 1937 (DOST Vol. I).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1499-1615
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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 c1500-c1512 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 Satirical Poems xxiv. 27.
Thow, vaine bable, bouistrit vp in pryde 1615 Lett. & St. P. Jas. VI 257.
Debosched drunkin babillis
