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: 1890
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MURLE, v. Also murrle. [mʌrl]
1. To make murmuring or cooing noises like a baby (Ayr. 1880 Jam.). Hence murlie, a term of affectionate address used to a baby (Ags. 1808 Jam.). Comb. murlie-fikes, id. (Ib.). See Fyke, v., 1.
2. To hum or talk softly to oneself (Ayr. 1880 Jam.). Also fig. Vbl.n. mur(r)lin(g), the murmuring of a stream (Ags. 1880 Jam.); a peevish, ill-natured child who is continuously whining querulously (Gall. 1824 MacTaggart Gallov. Encycl. 355).Ags. 1890 Brechin Advertiser (8 July) 3:
A bonnie lauchin sparklin burnie that gaes murlin, dancin, an sparklin awa throwe fields an' woods.
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"Murle v.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 18 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/murle>
