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.
†GARBEL, n., v. Sc. form of Eng. garboil, now obs. exc. arch. in literary Eng. and Sc.
I. n. A brawl, uproar, din, noise.Sc.(E) 1936 J. G. Horne Flooer o' Ling 48:
Hoo can ye be sae deil-ma-care Wi' a' this garbel in the air?
II. v. “To produce such a noise as proceeds from two persons scolding each other” (Ayr. 1825 Jam.); “to make a brawling, scolding noise.”
[From O.Fr. garbouil(le), n., as above, ad. It. garbuglio, disorder, tumult.]