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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.

SWATHEL, n. Given as “a strong man” in Jam. (see note).Lnk. 1890 Mod. Sc. Poets (Edwards) XIII. 99:
But noo oor gleg swankies and swathels an' a', Hae new-fashioned capers.

[The word has been taken from Jam.'s gloss. on an apparent misreading in the North. Mid.Eng. poem The Awntyrs of Arthure 540, “Withe a swap of a swerde that swathel him swykes.”]

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