A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 1990 (DOST Vol. VII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1499-1500, 1688-1689
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(Revill-ravel,) Revill-raill, Reavel-ravel, n. [Sc. altered form of late ME rebylle Rable adv. in great confusion (c1460), e.m.E. ribble-rabble n. confused meaningless language (1601). Cf. ME and e.m.E. rabul a string of words having little meaning or value (Wyclif), also = Rabil(l n. Cf. also 17th c. Eng. ribble-row a rigmarole. Cf. also Norw. ravla v. to talk nonsense, Du. revelen n. nonsense.] Long-winded or senseless talk; jargon. On revill-raill, in a confused, muddled or nonsensical manner. —a1500 Tale of the Colkelbie Sow iii 151.
I allege non vthir auctorite In this sentence maid on revill raill a1689 Cleland 107.
Like Gilbert Burnet when he preaches Or like some lawyers making speeches He making hands and gown and sleives wavel Half singing vents this reavel ravel; ‘I have [etc.]’
