Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

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.

Spil(e, Spyl(e, n. Also: spaile. [? Altered f. Pile n.¹ perhaps under the influence of Spale n.] A pointed stake or post used as a support for a wall, the foundation of a building, etc.The 1588 quot. may belong in Spale n.(a) 1513 Doug. ix x 20.
Tobe inclosyt amyd a fald of stakis … With akyn spilis [Sm. spyllis, Ruddim. spylis] and dikis on sik wys 1535–6 M. Works Acc. (ed.) I 179.
For certane spilis and brandry to the ground of the fore entre 1565–6 Edinb. Old Acc. I 505.
Half ane dosone of aik spyles, xij d. 1602 Edinb. B. Rec. V 374.
To the wricht for cutting the spylis and plankis to mak the grund of the mel merkett … 20 s. 1645 Dumfries Treas. Acc. MS 19.
To Robert Browne and Robert Softlaw for putting on of spyles(b) 1588 Dundee Shipping L. 226.
Comperit Magnus Brown … with the gudes and geir efter following … twa hunder and ane half of ruif tymmer … twa hunder of aiken spaileis