Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1965 (SND Vol. VI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
MARL, n.1 Also marle. As in Eng., a soil composed of clay and limestone. Dim. marley, a marble made from red clay hardened in the fire (Ags. 1894 J. Inglis Oor Ain Folk 94). Sc. combs.: 1. marl-midden, a compost heap of earth and marl, used as a fertiliser (Sc. 1808 Jam.); ¶2. marle-throwing, ppl.adj., applied to one whose job is to load marl on to carts at a marl-pit.2. Gall. 1824 MacTaggart Gallov. Encycl. 267:
Marle-throwing Wull, Leash Sam the Blade, Wi' Jeamy Jirk, the smasher.
