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: 1866
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†KIBBLE-KABBLE, v., n.
I. v. To quarrel, wrangle, altercate; to find fault continually (Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 94). Ppl.adj., vbl.n., kibble-kabblin, -kabblan, continually finding fault, fretful; an altercation, a continued dispute (Ib.). Also in Eng. dial.Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 94:
The men are haudin' a sad kibble-kabblan aboot a maitter it's nae mainthir o' service t'ane o' thim.
II. n. A quarrel, a violent dispute (Ib.).
[A reduplic. form of cabble s.v. Cabal, from L.Ger. kabbelen, id. Cf. also L.Ger. phr. kibbeln un kabbeln, Mid.Du. kibbelen, id. and Cabby-labby.]
