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.
Quotation dates: 1806, 1880
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MIRKLE, n. Also mirkyal, myrkle. In pl., the radical or basal leaves of the seaweed, Alaria esculenta (Ork. 1866 Edm. Gl., 1929 Marw., Ork. 1963). Cf. hinniewar s.v. Hinnie, I. 2. (16). [′mɪrk(j)əls]Ork. 1806 P. Neill Tour 21:
This large sea-weed [Fucus esculentus] is winged at the base with flat sword-shaped leafits: these leafits are known in Orkney by the name of mirkles, and are frequently eaten.Ork. 1880 Dennison Sketch-Bk. 58:
Boiled i' sa'twater for sasenin', an' dan aetan wi' mirkels for kitchen.
