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.
SHIRREL, n. Also shirl(e), shurral; and with variant ending shirret, -ot (see note). A (fragment of) sod or turf, esp. taken from the surface of a peat-bog (Bnff., Abd. 1808 Jam., shirret, -ot, 1897 Trans. Bch. Field Club 82, shirl, ‡Abd. 1970).Rs. 1726 N. Macrae Romance Royal Burgh (1923) 333:
To cut, lead and fasten what shirrels the Kirk stands in need of.Abd. 1754 R. Forbes Journal 24:
Amon' a heap o' shirrels, an' peat-mow.Abd. 1826 D. Anderson Poems 9:
Hardly a shurral even to rest a fire.Sc. 1932 H. McDiarmid Scots Unbound 7:
Lappin' on the shirrel.
