Dictionaries of the Scots Language
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A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)

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First published 2002 (DOST Vol. XII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Ȝell, n.¹ [ME iȝel (Layamon), late ME and e.m.E. ȝelle (c1400), yell (1509); Ȝell v.] a. A yell, a loud, high-pitched cry. Also, ȝowt(is) and ȝell(is). b. In deprecatory use: Loud, incomprehensible noise. c. A groan.a. (1) a1400 Leg. S. vi 659.
Than al the prestis gef a ȝell, As thai had bene fendis of hell c1420 Wynt. ii 344 (W).
Scho rarit lovd vp with a ȝell, And said Joseph wald haue lyne hir by a1500 Henr. Fab. 488.
As scho wer woid, with mony ȝell and cry, Ryuand hir hair [etc.] 1513 Doug. vi iv 23.
Apon Hecate cryand with mony a ȝell 1528 Lynd. Dreme 165.
Ȝowtyng and ȝowlyng we hard, with mony ȝell 15.. Christis Kirk 201 (M).
The wyffis cast vp ane hiddwous ȝell(2) c1552 Lynd. Mon. 1418.
Than wes thare nocht bot ȝowtis and ȝellis 1572 Sat. P. xxxii 79.
Than cryit my bairnis with mony ȝout and ȝell 1581-1623 James VI Poems I 81/7.
Let vs complein with vvofull ȝoutts and ȝells 1590 Burel Pilgr. i 506.
Sum with ȝouts and ȝells, Maist cairfully did cryb. c1500-c1512 Dunb. (OUP) 153/118.
Thae tarmegantis … Full lowd in Ersche begowth to clatter And rowp lyk revin and ruke. The Devill sa devit wes with thair ȝell That [etc.]c. 1513 Doug. i vii 118.
Law from his breist murnand he gave a ȝell [L. ingentem gemitum dat pectore ab imo]