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.
Quotation dates: 1824, 1949-1958
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RUCKLE, v.1, n.1 Also rukkle, rouchle. [rʌkl]
I. v. To make a rattling, gurgling or roaring sound, specif. of the breathing of a dying person (Sc. 1880 Jam.). Vbl.n., ppl.adj. rucklin (Ib.). Rare or dial. in Eng.Sc. 1824 Scott St. Ronan's W. xxxviii.:
The deep ruckling groans of the patient.Ork. 1949 Anth. Ork. Verse (Marwick) 139:
Up raves the fire more roary than the host, It rouchles in the lum.
II. n. A rattling or gurgling sound, as in the throat, specif. the death-rattle (Lth. 1825 Jam.; Dmf.3 1920; Rxb. 1968). Rare or dial. in Eng. For comb. death-ruckle see Death.Sh. 1958 New Shetlander No. 46. 24:
Da rukkles o da stane alang da waa wis juist laek thunder.
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"Ruckle v.1, n.1". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 19 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/ruckle_v1_n1>
