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.
MUMMLE, v. Also mummel (Ags. 1816 G. Beattie John o' Arnha' (1883) 47; Uls. 1898 A. Mcllroy Meetin-Hoose Green 44, e.Lth. 1903 J. Lumsden Toorle 268); mumle (Lnk. 1893 T. Stewart Among the Miners 72), mumell (Sc. 1756 M. Calderwood Journey (M.C.) 191; Ork. 1904 Dennison Sketches 12), mumul (Gsw. 1877 A. G. Murdoch Laird's Lykewake 88). Gen.Sc. forms and usages of Eng. mumble. See P.L.D. § 62. The b in Eng. is intrusive. Deriv. mumbler, an implement for breaking clods, a kind of heavy harrow (Fif., w.Lth., Rxb. 1963). Cf. Eng. mumble, to bite in small pieces. [′mʌm(ə)l]Rxb. 1917 Jedburgh Gazette (18 May) 2:
Implements. . . . 1 Chain Harrow, 2 Harrow Sledges, 1 Mumbler.
