Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1956 (SND Vol. IV).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

FOZLE, v., n.¹ Also fozzle; fosel.

I. v. To wheeze, to breathe in a laboured way, like an asthmatic person (Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 53; ne.Sc. 1946), freq. of cattle (Bnff.⁴ 1925); to pant with exertion, often implying lack of strength (Gregor). Vbl.n. fozlan (Id.).Mry. 1865 W. H. L. Tester Poems 151:
Fozzlin' ben ran Meggie Baxter.Abd. 1932 Abd. Press & Jnl. (6 April):
Oor aul' frien' Mairch sent ma a present o' an ull caul' 'at's keepit ma pyocherin' an' hoastin' an' fozlin' for win'.

II. n. A wheezing, laboured breathing (Bnff.² 1943).Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 54:
He's sair cawd wee a fozle on's breath.Bnff. 1933 M. Symon Deveron Days 37:
The ane we ca'ed “the Loon,” Wi' his sowf an' pech an' fosel.