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.
(Quhirlling,) Quhirling, Whirling, ppl. adj. [ME and e.m.E. whirlinge (Wyclif), whirlynge (1387); cf. Quhirl(l)and ppl. adj.] Spinning, rotating, whirling. Whirling poole, whirlpool. = Quhirll-pole n. —a1585 Maitl. Q. lxv 114.
Or sall I spurne with fortounis quhirling quheill 1611-57 Mure Dido & Æneas i 288.
Some [ships] … With gaiping mowth the whirling poole devores
