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.
Quotation dates: 1867-1932
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TARTLE, n.2, v.2 Also tirtle. [tɑrtl]
I. n. 1. A lock or tuft of hair or wool at an animal's tail which has become matted with excrement or mud (Rnf. c.1850 Crawfurd MSS. (N.L.S.) T. 110, tirtle; Ayr. 1923 Wilson D. Burns 191; Uls. 1953 Traynor; Slg., wm.Sc., Gall. 1972). Dim. tartlock, id. (Dmb., Wgt. 1930).Arg. 1932:
If ye clip the tartles aff that beast an wash her doon she'll tap the list.
2. By extension, in pl.: tatters, torn or trailing edges of clothing, tassels or fringes of ragged or dirty material (Uls. 1953 Traynor; wm.Sc. 1972).Gall.3 c.1867:
“Your dress is a' tartles round the tail” was said to me when I came in very muddy.Arg. 1882 Arg. Herald (3 June):
Aa your tartles an' trooshlach weenglan aboot your muckle spaagach sclaffran cluits.
II. v. To reduce (clothing) to ribbons or tatters.Rnf. 1877 J. M. Neilson Poems 94:
Tartled a' his tither pair [of trousers] Richt across the bum.
