Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1971 (SND Vol. VIII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
SCUFFLE, n.2 A piece of netting or sacking tied to a chain on a swivel at the end of a pole used by bakers to clean out their ovens, a baker's swab (Sc. 1903 Confectionery and Baking Craft (March 1947) 119, Kcd. 1969). Also in Eng. dial. Comb. scuffle clout, id. (Rxb. 1969). [skʌfl]Rnf. 1862 A. M'Gilvray Poems 327:
They wash the scuffle now alone, And all the dirty dishes.Fif. 1901 G. Setoun Skipper Barncraig vii.:
The baker had begun swilling his scuffle.Arg. 1910 N. Munro Fancy Farm vii.:
Cleansing his oven-sole with a frozen scuffle.
