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.
†MEISLE, v., n. Also meissle; micel; meysel; meislen (Gregor), from vbl.n. [məisl]
I. v. 1. To fritter away, to consume by degrees (Lth., Cld. 1880 Jam.). Vbl.n. meislan, a very small piece (Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 113), dim. meislanie (Ib.).Fif. 1825 Jam.:
It is said of one in respect to his money, He meisslit it awa, without smelling a must; He wasted it without doing anything to purpose.Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 113:
They got a gey bit liftie o' siller, bit they meislent it awa in a year or twa.
2. To nibble away at food, to eat slowly and daintily (Lth., Cld. 1880 Jam.).Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 113:
He's a gueede heep better noo, an' macks oot t' meisle awa a biscuit till's brackfast.
II. n. A small piece, a fragment (Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 113; Lth., Cld. 1880 Jam.).
[Orig. doubtful. Phs. a recent freq. formation based on mice, sc. to nibble, as mice do. Cf. the sim. Du. dial. muizelen, = I.]
