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.
BEVEL, Bevil, Bevvel, n. and v. Used as in St.Eng. but note the following:
1. n. †(1) A lump, unevenness.Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928):
Der'r a b[evel] upo de wa'.
(2) A strong push, a staggering blow (disturbing one's balance).Fif. 1827 W. Tennant Papistry Storm'd 154:
Naething gain but . . . baffs, and bevels.Edb. 1715 A. Pennecuik Poems 93:
With that Truth took him by the Neck, And gave him their [sic] as some suppone, Three Bevels till he gard him beck.
2. v.
(1) “To fit or apply” (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl. s.v. bevvel); to arrange.Cai. 1872 M. McLennan Peasant Life (Second Series) 17:
Wi' ye, Saiterday nicht shud maist be lik' Sunday morn, if ye bevil it richt.
†(2) To work assiduously but awkwardly.Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928):
To b[evel] atill ony kind o' wark.
