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.
Javel(l, n.2 Also: javill. [North. e.m.E. iauill (1587, Holinshed), also gavil, -yll, late north. ME. javelle (1483) : cf. mod. dial. F. javiole cage for fowls, and med. L. gabiola, gaviola. In Sc. much later than Javellour n. Cf. Jevill and Jayll.] A jail; jail. Also attrib. with door and hous, and in the phr. to break javel. —1625 State P. (Reg. H.) No. 123.
The saidis bailȝeis demandit … the saidis persones wairderis … quhy they had brokin his maiesteis javell 1632 Peebles B. Rec. I. 372.
Being creat … keipar of the stepill and javill houssis a1651 Calderwood VII. 558.
To all such Papists as you sall find imprisoned in the javells of your circuite Ib. 620.
He sould prove verie unthankfull if ever he past by the javell doore without thankfull remembrance 1659 Peebles B. Rec. II. 48.
Andro Haldine … accused for … breaking javill after he was committed thairto
