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.
GUSHEL, n.1 †1. A small dam or pool: “it is applied both to the dams made by children for amusement, and to those made by masons, plaisterers, etc. for preparing their lime or mortar” (Fif. 1825 Jam.).Ayr. 1879 R. Adamson Lays 141:
Breekit abune the knee tae wade, Or jump the burn; An' mak' the gushel deep an' braid, An' dook in turn.
2. The street gutter (Fif. 1954).
[From gush. Cf. obs. or dial. Eng. guzzle, gushill, gutter, drain.]
