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.
AWEEL, adv. Used like well in introducing a remark, and sometimes also expressing agreement with what has been said, or resignation, submission; or in continuation of a narrative, etc. Gen.Sc. [ə′wil, ə′wɛl]Sc. 1815 Scott Guy M. xi.:
“Aweel, aweel, Jock,” answered Mr Skreigh, with a tone of mild solemnity, “our accounts differ in no material particulars.”Lnk. 1881 A. Wardrop Midcauther Fair, etc. (1887) 248:
Aweel, we gaed aff next to see the minister.wm.Sc. [1835] Laird of Logan (1868) 159:
Aweel, Jamie, what think ye o' your mither this morning?Rxb. 1921 Kelso Chron. (27 May) 4/5:
“Hoots, wumin, take a taste it'll dae ye gude.” “Aweel aa'll duist taste it.”
Comb.: Aweel-a-wat, — waet, a well I wat, assuredly (lit. “well I know,” see Weel-a-wat).Abd. 1778 (2nd ed.) A. Ross Helenore 21:
Is Nory fifteen out this year? A well I wat is she, my mither says.Wgt. 1877 G. Fraser Sketches and Anecd. of Wigt. 322–332:
Gibby: “. . . A wunna taste drink this sax months onywey.” Sauners: “Aweel awat, nether wull A, for A wus fou yestreen tae.”s.Sc. a.1870 H. S. Riddell Poet. Wks. (1871) I. 211:
A-weel-a-waet, it's e'en owre true.
