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: 1920
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‡FRAIL, n.1, v.
I. n. A container consisting of a circular wooden frame with a sheepskin bottom, used for winnowing corn, a Wecht (Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.; m.Lth., Dmf., Rxb. 1953).Rxb. 1920 Kelso Chron. (17 Dec.):
The implement for this [dighting] being a sieve composed of a wooden frame and a sheepskin bottom which was called a "frail."
II. v. To winnow corn with a frail (Dmf. 1895–1953).
[O.Sc. frael, a rush basket, a.1450, Mid.Eng., O.Fr. frayel, a basket for figs.]
