Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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About this entry:
First published 1934 (SND Vol. I).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
BASSLE, BAS(S)EL, n. and v. All the meanings given below are known to Sh.4 [′bas(ə)l + ɑ]
1. n.
(1) “Bassel, a struggle” (Sh. 1914 Angus Gl).
(2) (See quot.)Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928):
Basel, a splash; plash; commotion as e.g. of a fish on the surface of the water or in the bottom of a boat, de basels o' a turbot.
(3) “Toil and moil; hard work” (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928).)
2. v.
(1) (See quot.)Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928):
Basel, to splash; plash; to make quick movements, as e.g. fish on the surface of the water or in the bottom of a boat; de fish basels (is baslin').
(2) To work hard; to toil; struggle with something.Sh. 1898 W. F. Clark Northern Gleams 60:
Afore he kent o' himsel he wis basslin' i' da very hert o' da guttery sharf [muddy place.]Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928):
To b[asel] awa at onything. To b[asel] against de wind.
