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.
GURBLOT, v., n. Also gurbluit, -bloit, gorblot, -bloit. [gʊr′blɔ(i)t, gor-′]
I. v. To wash badly, so that the dirt is only partially removed, esp. of clothes (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl., gurbloit, 1914 Angus Gl., Sh.10 1955).Sh. 1922 J. Inkster Mansie's Röd 64:
Girzzie wis 'ithin da door gurbluitin' twartree bits o' things in a tub.
II. n. 1. Badly-washed clothes or face and hands (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928)); 2. A hasty incomplete wash, a swill (Sh. 1955).
[Orig. rather uncertain, but prob. a compounding of Norw. gor, dirt (see Goor, n.2) and bløte, to soak, steep (see Blot, n.).]
