Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
Hide Quotations Hide Etymology
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.
DRIVEL, DRIVL, Drevl, v., n.
1. v. To dawdle, to go about in a slovenly manner (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928), driv(e)l). Hence drivlin, “trailing through mire” (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl.).Sh. 1948 New Shetlander (Oct.–Nov.) 22:
He comes drevlin in . . . an I says — “Weel, boy, I'm aa ready.”
2. n. A lazy, slovenly person (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928); Ork. 1929 Marw., drivel). Fem. form drivla (Jak.). Hence drivelly, clumsy, rough in manner or appearance (Ork. 1930).
[Norw. dial. drivla. to lounge about, to loaf, loiter.]
