We use cookies to enhance your experience on our website. By clicking 'continue' or by continuing to use our website, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. You can change your cookie settings in your browser at any time.

Continue
Find out more

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

Hide Quotations Hide Etymology

Abbreviations Cite this entry

About this entry:
First published 1941 (SND Vol. II).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

BOOL, BULE, v.3 [bul, byl]

1. “To weep in a very childish manner, with a continued humming sound; generally, to bule an' greet” (Rxb. 1825 Jam.2). vbl.n.Rxb. 1847 J. Halliday Rustic Bard 173:
There naething now is heard but boolin', Nought's seen but girnin' gabs an' scoolin'.

2. “To sing wretchedly with a low drawling note. The prep. at is added, as, ‘bulin' at a sang'” (Rxb. 1825 Jam.2).Slk. 1818 Hogg Brownie of Bodsbeck I. v.:
Lool away, bool away, Till we grow weary.

[Cf. Sw. böla, to bellow, to low. Cogn. with O.E. bellan, to roar. See Belly, v.2, and bully, s.v. N.E.D. gives bool (16th cent.) as obs. form of bawl.]

3906

snd