Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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First published 1941 (SND Vol. II). Includes material from the 2005 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

CHITTLE, v.¹ “To shell oats as birds do” (Gall. 1824 MacTaggart Gallov. Encycl. 134); “to eat corn from the ear, putting off the husk with the teeth” (Dmf. 1825 Jam.²). Hence to nibble, to gnaw (Kcb.⁹, Kcb.¹⁰ 1939). Ppl.adj. chittling.sm.Sc. 1988 W. A. D. and D. Riach A Galloway Glossary :
chickled, chittled nibbled, chewed, broken into small pieces.Kcb. 1815 J. Gerrond Works 125:
Whilst chittling mice and lang tailed rats Gude stuff were cutting.