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.
Quotation dates: 1844-1885
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SQUIRL, n. An ornamental flourish at the end of a letter in writing, a piece of trimming, a flounce or the like in clothes, etc. (Cai., Bnff., Per. 1971). Also deriv. in alliterative comb. squirrly-wirly, id.Edb. 1844 J. Ballantine Gaberlunzie ix.:
Look at the lang turns o' his l's, and the squirls o' his b's.Lth. 1885 J. Strathesk More Bits 220:
Women-folk are very keen o' squirrly-wirlies, baith about their ain claes an' their bairn's.
