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.
CHIRL, CHIRLE, Churl, Churrel, n.2 [tʃɪ̢rl, tʃʌrl]
†1. “A small bit of any thing, especially of edibles” (Lnk. 1825 Jam.2, chirle). Also given for Lth. in E.D.D. (1898).
2. In pl.: Used of firewood and coal: “wood cut small to kindle fire” (Bnff. c.1927 G. J. Milne W.-L., chirls; Bnff.2 1940; Arg.1 c.1880); “wood shavings” (Crm. 1914 (per Mry.2), churls); “coal which passes through a harp; small coal free from dross or dirt” (Sc. 1886 J. Barrowman Sc. Mining Terms 17, chirls, churrels; Abd.14 1916, chirles; Fif.10, Slg.3, Edb.5 1940); “pieces of coal of an intermediate size between the largest and chows, which are the smallest, except what is called culm” (Fif. 1825 Jam.2, chirles).Ags. (Usan), w.Fif. 1926 (per Ags.9):
Small pieces of wood are pared with a knife for part of their length, in such a way that the thin shaving is made to curl and is not severed from the piece of wood. Several of these are made on one piece by successive parings, and are known as “churls.” They are used in kindling fires.
Hence chirlie, chirly, churly, adj., “well-shaped, of nice handy size; hence, suitable, handy. Applied to pieces of coal, stone, or brick, that are suitable for general use” (Sc. 1887 Jam.6).Fif.13 1940:
Bring in a shovel o' churly bits.
