Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
Hide Quotations Hide Etymology
About this entry:
First published 1952 (SND Vol. III).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
†EGGLER, Egglar, n. A hawker who collects eggs from outlying farms and villages for sale at neighbouring markets (s.Sc. 1808 Jam., egglar). Also found in n.Eng. and Oxf. dial.Bwk. 1795 Stat. Acc.1 XIV. 589:
The numbers and ages, as taken in 1791, are . . . Pendiclers, 10 . . . Egglers, 2.Bwk. 1905 R. Gibson Old Bwksh. Town 221:
An eggler was one who went about the country, usually on foot, collecting eggs from farmers, hinds, and shepherds, which he carried in a creel basket swung on his back. He had also a hand basket in which he carried wares for sale.
