Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
Hide Quotations Hide Etymology
About this entry:
First published 1934 (SND Vol. I).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
†AIREL, n. Used also attrib. (See quots.)1. Slk., Liddes[dale] 1825 Jam.2:
An old name for a flute; prop. applied to a pipe made from a reed.Slk. 1822 Hogg Poet. Wks. II. 250:
He heezit the horne intil his muthe, And soundit the airel hole.2. Rxb. 1825 Jam.2:
Transferred to musical tones of whatever kind.Slk. 1822 Hogg Poet. Wks. II. 119:
The beetle began his wild airel to tune, And sang on the wynde with ane eirysome croon.
