A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
Hide Quotations Hide Etymology
About this entry:
First published 1986 (DOST Vol. VI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Prat(t)le, Prattell, Pratill, v. [e.m.E. prattle (1532), pratle (1560), prattel (1557), frequent. of prate (cf. Prat(t v.): cf. MLG pratelen, protelen.] intr. To talk emptily or idly (of). —a1605 Montg. Ch. & Slae 627 (Wr.).
They tratled, and pratled, A long halfe hour and mare 1598 James VI Basil. Doron 43/1.
Laboure to keipe sounde this conscience quhilke many prattellis [v.r. prattle] of, bot ouer few feillis 1602 Colville Paraenese 14.
Of the scriptur … thai all presum and pratill, teching befor thai be tacht
