Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1968 (SND Vol. VII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

POUZLE, v. Also pousle (Sc. 1953 Scots Mag. (June) 174), poozle (Uls. 1898 A. McIlroy Meetin-Hoose Green 160). Sc. forms and usages of Eng. puzzle. Deriv. pouzler, a footballer who is good at dribbling and dodging (Fif. 1966). [puzl, Fif. pʌuzl]

1. “To trifle” (Fif. 1825 Jam.), to poke or potter around aimlessly (Fif. 1957). Ppl.adj. pouzlin, trifling, ineffectual, bungling (Ib.).

2. Ppl.adj. pouzlin, of persons (1) “applied to one who is airy and finical” (Fif. 1825 Jam.); (2) applied “to one who makes a boast of his wealth, especially as implying the idea that he has little or no reason for this” (Ib.).