Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1960 (SND Vol. V).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1825, 1887-1931
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JEEGLE, v., n. Also jegil, gig(g)le. Sc. forms of Eng. jiggle. [dʒigl]
I. v. To shake lightly or rapidly (Sh., ne. and em.Sc.(a), Gall., Uls. 1959); “to make a jingling noise” (Sc. 1825 Jam.). Also reduplic. form jeggle-jaggle, “to waver to and fro in order to save oneself from a fall” (Sc. 1911 S.D.D.).Sc. 1887 Jam.:
I canna write if ye jeegle the table sae.Lnk. 1893 T. Stewart Among the Miners 7:
He's aye jeeglin' awa' at the loom yet, an' likely wull tae the last.Ant. 1931 North. Whig (11 Dec.) 13:
Stop jeegling money in your pocket . . . stop jeegling the table.
Hence jeegly, gigly, adj., “unsteady, shaky, likely to be upset or overturned” (Sc. 1887 Jam.; ne. and em.Sc.(a), Ayr., Uls. 1959). Also used adv. (Sc. 1887 Jam., jeegly).
II. n. 1. The creaking sound made e.g. by the hinges of a door when opened or a chair when sat upon (Sc. 1825 Jam., jeegle, jegil; Kcb.4 1900).
2. A slight jerk, shake or rattle (Sc. 1887 Jam.; Abd. 1959). Phr.: to take the giggle-trot, see quot. It is uncertain whether this phr. belongs here.Sc. 1825 Jam.:
A woman who marries, when she is far advanced in life, is said to tak the giggle-trot.
