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.
MAUCHLE, v., n. Also machle. [′mǫxl, mɑxl]
I. v. To act or work in a clumsy manner, to exert oneself to no purpose (Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.). Ppl.adj. mauchlin, useless, helpless, clumsy (Watson). Sometimes used refl.Per. 1825 Jam.:
Ye'll machle yoursell in the mids of your work.Wgt. 1962:
“Dinna mauchle!”, often said to children at the table.
II. n. A useless, helpless or worthless fellow (Watson).
[? A conflation of Maggle and Trachle or, more prob., a variant of Maffle.]
