Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1956 (SND Vol. IV).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1794
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†FOICHAL, n. Also foichel; fychel, feyhal. [′fɔɪçəl, ′fəiç-]
1. “A cant term for a girl from sixteen to twenty years of age” (Dmb., Lnk. 1825 Jam.); “a little, thickset child” (Slg. Ib.).Per. 1794 J. Grahame Poems 103:
How the bonny Fernig foichals Gie G—n thieves and slaves their dichals.
2. A foal (s.Sc. 1802 J. Sibbald Chron. Sc. Poetry, Gl., feyhal), “a kind of fondling term” (Upper Cld. 1825 Jam., fychel).
[Orig. obscure, phs. cant. 1. and 2. may be different words.]
