Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

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.

GIBBLE, n. Also gibbal (Ayr. 1934 G. M. Martin Dundee Worthies 120). A tool, an implement (n. and s.Sc. 1808 Jam.). Mostly in pl. = tools, working paraphernalia (Bnff., Abd., Ags., Per., e.Fif., Knr. 1954); articles, wares, odds and ends (Abd., Ags. 1954); garden tools (Lth. 1926 Wilson Cent. Scot. 244; Bwk. 1942 Wettstein). [′gɪb(ə)lz]Ags. 1790 D. Morison Poems 13:
Then on the morn ilk chapman loon Rears up his market shop, An' a' his gibbles louses doon.Fif. 1864 W. D. Latto T. Bodkin xxxv.:
We aye thocht it a grand ploy . . . i' the hairst time to get a day's shearin'. . . . So afore gaun to bed that night I instruckit Andro to hae a' the necessary gibbles prepared for us by neist mornin'.Abd. 1885 J. Scorgie Flittin' Noo 22:
Took out my keys, my kist unlockit, Gat ilka gibble; This day I've clappit doon an' yokit 'Bout Burns to scribble.Per. 1912 Scotsman (26 Jan.):
The other day my gardener said — “I'll leave my gibbles here,” meaning his spade and rake.Ayr. 1913 J. Service Memorables xxix.:
No a professor . . . could use the bit gibbles ony better than themsel's.Sc. 1920 D. Rorie Auld Doctor 26:
Though my gibbles were a' for the human frame An' his for kettle an' pan.