A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 2001 (DOST Vol. X).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Tormoyl(e, n. Also: tormoill, turmoyle, tourmoil(e. [e.m.E. turmoyle (1526), turmoile (1568), turmoil (1698).] Disturbance, trouble, agitation; disquiet. —sing. a1585 Maitl. Q. 249/5.
The beatin bark … dunge with wavering wind Into the port hir self sho castis … The pilgrim wereid with tormoill and transing monye a land … vnto his native soill … doeth mak haist 1596 Dalr. I 138/21.
Nathir in al this truble and tormoyle of the Scottis was the Pechtis frie of truble 1611-57 Mure Spirituall Hymne 109.
His plaints procur'd thy soules turmoyle —pl. 1630-1651 Gordon Geneal. Hist. 109.
The civill tormoyls and contentions of state 1631 Laing MSS 189.
They are so taken up … with solistations for Session maters, submissions … and other empeshments, which brings perpetuall tourmoiles to men in such place and credit
