Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1934 (SND Vol. I).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
AMBEL, AMMEL,1 AML,1 n. and v. [′aməl, ′ambəl]
1. n. (See quot.)Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928):
Aml, ammel, and ambel, fumbling attempt to carry out a task; . . . fumbling attempt to walk.
2. v. (See quots.)Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928):
Aml, ammel, and ambel, to make fumbling attempts; . . . what is du amblin at? . . . to walk feebly and totteringly, hit bergins to ammel and geng, of a child.Sh. 1914 Angus Gl.:
Ammel, v.a., to try to do a thing; to make an attempt.
