Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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About this entry:
First published 1952 (SND Vol. III). Includes material from the 1976 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1824, 1900
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DADGIL, DATCHLE, Dadjell, Dandgell, v. and n. Also datchel.
1. v.
(1) “To waddle” (Fif. 1825 Jam.2, datchle).
(2) “To walk in a careless manner, with clothes not adapted to the shape of the wearer” (Ib.); to stroll.Gall. 1824 MacTaggart Gallov. Encycl. 68:
And here's to the tinklers, wallets, and cuddies, Whilk dadjell ilk year to braw Keltonhillfair.
2. n.
(1) A person wearing ill-fitting clothes and with a foolish gait (Gall. 1824 MacTaggart Gallov. Encycl. 160, dandgell).Kcb.4 1900:
One wearing a coat far too large for him, the cast-off of a larger man, is said to be a dadgil o' a bodie.
In comb. with like, with adj. significance of slovenly in dress; “having a dangling appearance” (Per. 1825 Jam.2).1824 'Transforthanus' Poems 70:
How datchel-like he looks! his plaid is torn.
(2) “A large thick top-coat” (Gall. 1824 MacTaggart Gallov. Encycl. 160).
[Dadge, v., + -le, frequentative suff. The n. may be either a direct formation from the v. or a dim. of Dadge, n.2]
