Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1941 (SND Vol. II).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
CHATTLE, CHAUTTLE, v. [tʃɑtl]
1. “To nibble; to chew feebly” (Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.; Slk. 1825 Jam.2). Known to Abd.2, Abd.9 1939. Ppl.adj. chauttlin' (Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 24 s.v. chauttin'). Cf. Chowtle.Abd. 1898 E.D.D.:
He's chattlin' raisins.Ags.17 1939:
I once heard an old man in Kirriemuir, who had been very ill, say: “I never expeckit to chauttle cheese again.”
2. “To shell grain in the mouth and eat the kernel” (Upper Deeside 1917 (per Abd.8)). Cf. Chittle, v.1
[Frequentative of Chat, v.1, q.v.]
