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)ling, Pretland, ppl. adj. [e.m.E. prattelinge (1560).] Chattering, idly talking. —1581 Burne Disput. in 1573-1600 Cath. Tr. (S.T.S.) 170/22.
The daft abbottis, gukkit prioris, guseheaddit personis, asin vittit vicares and the pretland prebendaris a1605 Montg. Ch. & Slae 16 (Wr.).
The cuckow couks, the pratling pyes, To geck her they begin Id. Son. v 10. 1632 Lithgow Trav. i 2.
Pratling parrots and sounding cymbals
