Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1968 (SND Vol. VII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
PROIL, n., v. Also proyl (Sh. 1924 J. Hunter Poems 108); proll (Jak.), prol-; dim. form proly (Ork. 1929 Marw.). [prol]
I. n. Spoil, booty, plunder (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl., 1908 Jak. (1928), 1914 Angus Gl., Sh. 1966). Hence “a collection of almost worthless objects obtained by begging” (Jak.), trifles, odds-and-ends, clutter (Sh. 1966).Sh. 1900 Manson's Sh. Almanac 122:
Robbie was completely staggered as to where he should put the “proil” . . . painfully gathered during two days' wandering.Sh. 1961 New Shetlander No. 56. 25:
Hit aye üsed ta git bunged up noo an dan wi sly, an watter-clocks, an skories' pens, an proil.
II. v. To go in search of prey, to prowl (Sh. 1966).Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928):
De cat is proilin aboot.
