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.
GABLO, n. Also gablow. “Any insect of the beetle kind; more spec. a black beetle about an inch or so in length” (Ork. 1929 Marw.), “common among the peat-stacks and gen. out of doors, about half an inch or more in length” (Ork. 1900 E.D.D.). [′gɑ:blo]Ork. 1903 G. Marwick Old Roman Plough (1936) 4:
It makes no difference what a man eats or drinks if his “benn end” (heart) is clear of “forkies, moosewabs and gablows.”
