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.
REEBLE, n., v. Also ribble, reibble. Altered forms of Raible, n., v.
I. n. 1. An incoherent discourse, careless rapid speech (Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 137).
2. Hurried, careless work (Ib.); one who works carelessly and hurriedly (Ib.).
3. “A ruinous mass” (Ib.).
II. v. 1. To reel off in a hurried, expressionless manner (Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 137).Sc. 1872 E. B. Ramsay Reminiscences 34:
He ribbled aff the prayers like a man at the heid o' a regiment.Mry. 1872 W. H. Tester Poems 157:
I'll neither rhyme nor reibble mair.
2. To work in a hasty careless manner, to do things in a slap-dash way; to build up or throw down hurriedly (Gregor); to spoil through inefficient handling.
