Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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First published 1952 (SND Vol. III).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

‡DIACLE, Diakel, Daikel, Dycal, n. A small compass used in a fishing boat (Sh. 1825 Jam.²; 1866 Edm. Gl.; 1914 Angus Gl., diakel); a tabu-name (Jak., daikel). [′dai(ə)kəl]Sh. 1814 J. Shirreff Agric. Sh. 87:
Every boat carries one compass at least, provincially a diäcle.Sh. 1922 J. Inkster Mansie's Röd 100:
A'll strive ta steer In houp, ta reak dat tidder laand At Gjöd's ain dycal shows sae clear.