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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.

PYLE, v., tr. and absol. To direct (oneself or another) by means of a landmark or the like, to pilot, steer, Airt.Sh. 1898 Shetland News (17 Sept.):
To pyle him apo' da compass.Sh. 1900 Ib. (21 July, 3 Nov.):
We're no sae far fram, an we'll aye be able ta pyle ashore. . . . Da been yarnin an' pylin ashore da sam as dey'd hed a simmer afore dem.Sh. 1967:
Could du pyle me ta da post-office?

[Appar. a back-formation from pilot.]

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