Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

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.

DAIBLE, v. and n. [debl]

1. v. Sc. form of Eng. dabble, used with all Eng. meanings. Also used in Sc. to mean specifically: (1) To wash (something) perfunctorily (Bwk. 1942 Wettstein; Rxb. 1825 Jam.², 1923 Watson W.-B.).

(2) “To go about in an inactive and feeble way; generally applied to children” (Slk. (Ettr. For.) 1825 Jam.²).

(3) To trail in a bedraggled slopping manner. Peb. 1838 W. Welsh Poems 32:
Ilk muslin gown hang daiblin down, Wi' wet sae close was clappit.

2. n.

(1) A slight washing (Bwk. 1942 Wettstein; Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.)Rxb. 1825 Jam.²:
The claise has gotten a bit daible.

(2) “One who dabbles in or potters with a subject or matter” (Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.).