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.
NAESLE, v. Only as pa.p. naeslin, 1. fitting into each other, working or pulling well together, as in double harness (Ork. 1887 Jam.). As ppl.adj., = well-matched; 2. rubbing and pushing with the nose, as of horses (Ork. 1903 E.D.D.).
[Orig. obscure, phs. simply a conflated form of Eng. nestle and nuzzle, with the senses of either.]
