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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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

EDDLE, v., n. Also ettle. [ɛdl, ɛtl]

1. v. To work for, earn. Vbl.n. in pl. eddlins, ettlins, earnings, wages.Sc. 1887 Jam.6:
Ye'll just get what ye eddle for, or what you ettle.
Ib.:
Wait a wee, your eddlins 'll ourtak ye. Ye'll get your ettlins for that yet.

2. n. Chiefly in pl. on analogy with -wages, earnings, etc. = recompense, fruits of one's labours (Ib.; Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B. Add. 304, eddles). Also in deriv. ettlement, one's fair share (Bwk.3 1950).Edb. 1928 A. D. Mackie Poems 42:
Or a' His ettlements that lie In flesh and harns o' sheep and kye.

[Cf. n.Eng. dial. addle, eddle, earnings; to earn, vbl.n. addlings; O.N. öðlask, v. refl., to win, gain as property (for oneself). The ettle form may be due to confusion with Ettle, v., q.v., to strive for.]

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