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.
†KAIBREL, n. A thin, ill-thriving sheep, freq. killed to prevent its complete loss by death (Rxb. a.1838 Jam. MSS. X. 161); fig., a lean, stupid fellow (Ib.).
[A dim. form of Caber, n., a pole, staff, etc., with extension of meaning to something long and thin.]
