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.
SKIRVEL, n. A flock of cormorants, seen at sea near a fishing ground, a sign of a good fishing (Sh. (Fair Isle) 1966).
[Appar. a deriv. of uncertain formation (with collective force) of Scarf.]
