A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 1963 (DOST Vol. III).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
*Happer-gall, n. [Also in the mod. dial. as habbergaw n. and v., f. habber to stammer (SND, s.v. Habber n. III Combs. 3) and Gall n.3 In the mod. dial. also = a break or flaw in anything: cf. Happer-gawn.] A stumbling or hesitation (in a speech). —1637 Johnston Diary (1911) I. 249.
On Wedensday. .it pleased God to assist me in Jhonstons cause; bot only he left me to mak on happergall in my speatch, and that justly becaus I had left him yesternight
