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.
†GOVEL(L), v. 1. To stare astonished, to goggle. Ppl.adj. govellin, staring drunk, “applied to one, from the appearance of his eyes, when he is intoxicated” (Ags. 1808 Jam.).Dwn. 1844 R. Huddleston Poems 85:
I'm stoitin' through like onnie stoge, . . . Remarkin' no'ght as being odd, Tho' a' astonish'd govels Tae see't that day.
2. To wobble, flap about. Also in Wm. dial.Ags. 1808 Jam.:
A woman's head-dress is said to be govellin, when it hangs loosely and ungracefully.
