A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 2001 (DOST Vol. IX).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Startle, -ill, -el, Stertle, v. [ME and e.m.E. stertle(n (a1300), stertel(l)en (Trevisa), stertylle (Cath. Angl.), startyll (Skelton), startel (Tyndale), startle (1540), OE steartlian to kick, struggle; ultim. related to stert-, start- (Start v.).] intr.
1. To move swiftly; rush; freq. of cattle maddened by heat. Also transf.15.. Sym & Bruder 92.
The hors that bair him Ran startling to Stratyrum 15.. Sym & Bruder 133.
The ky ran startling to the corne 1549 Compl. 37/17.
I beheld the pretty fische vantounly stertland vitht there rede vermeil fynnis a1605 Montg. Flyt. 520 (T).
Quhill the ky in the cuntrie startillit and chaisit, Quhilkis rairing ran rid wood, rowtand in a rane 1635 Dickson Wr. 93.
Christ's sheep will hear His voice, and if any will startle away, let them gotransf. 1637 Rutherford Lett. (1894) 507.
The weather is not so hot that I have great cause to startle in my prison
2. To start, to react (involuntarily) in fright, surprise etc., to react to disturbance of any sort. b. specif. Of a horse, etc.: To shy. c. specif. Of the eyes: To start from their sockets.c1500 Rowll Cursing 245 (B).
Than sall bla Baliall gif ane brattill And all the thevis in hell sall startill 1666 Laing MSS 350.
When my Lord Sinkler told me Mr. Sharp went from London the 3rd of May I was starteled at it, that nather you nor hee aquented me with it 1679 J. Barclay Descr. Cath. Ch. 59.
So often did I startle, weep so sore, Mine eyes burst open, I could sleep no moreb. 1638 Row Red-Shankes Serm. 2.
The angell first met him in a broad way, and the asse bogled and startledc. 1632 Lithgow Trav. x 463.
Now mine eyes begun to startle my mouth to foam and froath and my teeth to chatter
