Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1956 (SND Vol. IV). Includes material from the 2005 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
GUSHEL, n.2, v. Also gushle. [′gʌʃ(ə)l]
I. n. 1. A bungled job (Ork. c.1900; Ork., Cai. 1955).Ork. 1929 Marw.:
He's made a clean gushel o' mending the boat.
2. A bungler; an awkward, untidy or careless person (Cai. 1907 D. B. Nicolson in County of Cai. 74; Ork. 1929 Marw.; Cai. 1955). Cf. Dushill. Adj. gushlie, bungling, inept, of persons (Ork. 1955).
3. A hurry (Rs. 1911 per Mry.2).
II. v. To bungle, botch, perform clumsily, to “mess about” (Cai.1 c.1920). With in (Cai. 1955). Also ppl.adj. gushlin. Cai. 1922 J. Horne Poems and Plays 45:
Far bairnie's gang for learnin' an' come oot jist gushlin' mules.Cai. 1930 John o' Groat Jnl. (31 Jan.):
'E wishy-washy tea 'at ower many fouk gushels wi nooadays.Cai. 1986:
A man who had spilt a basin of water was described as a gushlan deevil.
