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.
CHITTLE, Chettle, v.2
†1. “To warble, to chatter” (Dmf. 1825 Jam.2). Cf. Cheetle.Per. 1898 E.D.D.:
The birds are chittlin' bonnily.Fif. 1887 G. Gourlay Our Old Neighbours 79:
“Yes,” chettled Nell Wilkie, “but I heard oor minister tellin' . . . that the een o' the hale nation is on oor little broch this day.”Dmf. 1810 R. H. Cromek Rem. Nithsd. and Gall. Song 119:
The lintie chittles sad i' the high tower wa'.
2. To backbite (Per. (Strathearn) 1916 T.S.D.C. II.). An extension of meaning 1 from the idea of irresponsible chatter.
[Phs. a frequentative from obs. Eng. chit, to chirp.]
