A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 1963 (DOST Vol. III).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Javell, Javill, n.1 Also : gavell, and Jevell. [ME. (appar. chiefly north. and north midl.) javell, jauele (14th c.), e.m.E. javell (last recorded c 1650), of obscure derivation : (cf. Cavell n.2).] A term of abuse : A low fellow, a coarse fellow, a rough or ruffian. Also attrib.1543 Elgin Rec. I. 74.
[They] callit the said Master Thomas … javell prest, crukit carlis get, theif carle … and siklik vtheris iniurius wordis 15.. Christis Kirk 63 (B).
‘Lat be!’ quod Jok, and cawd him javill [M. gavell] And be the taill him tuggit; The kensy cleikit to the cavell [etc.] 15.. Sym & Bruder (Bann. MS. 146 a) 73.
To tak a justing of that javell, The bryd wount nocht to bruk him a1651 Calderwood I. 146.
‘Packe you javells, … and reforme your own lives’ Ib. V. 339.
Old Gatgirth, who said to the Queene Regent, ‘We vow to God, we sall have a day of it against these javells that stand beside you’
