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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1974 (SND Vol. IX).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

SWAMBLE, v., n. Also swam(b)l, swammel (Jak.). [swɑmbl]

I. v. To wrangle, dispute, have a quarrel (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928)).

II. n. An altercation, wordy dispute or argument (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl., 1908 Jak. (1928)).

[Sh. variant, with nasalisation, of Eng. squabble (cf.Q, letter, 1.), phs. formally influenced by Sh. Norn swamble, a splashing, swirling or floundering about.]

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