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.
GAVIL, GAVEL, GEVIL(L), n. “Railing, hand-rail. This term is still used in various districts of Scotland” (Sc. 1887 Jam.; Rxb.5 1950).
[Orig. doubtful. Phs. an erroneous variant of Ravel, id., influenced by Gavel, n.1]