Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1974 (SND Vol. IX).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1852-1871, 1930
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THRAMMEL, n.1 [′θrɑməl]
1. The rope or chain by which cattle are tied in their stalls, specif. that part linking the stake or post to the swivel of the Sell, q.v. (ne.Sc. 1825 Jam.; Cai. 1905 E.D.D.; ne.Sc. 1972).Mry. 1852 A. Christie Mountain Strains 98:
As soon's recover'd, an' out to ramble, About their neck were seal an' thrammel.Abd. 1871 W. Alexander Johnny Gibb xxvii.:
A parcel of second hand “sells and thrammels”.Bnff.6 1930:
The coo's broken the thrammel o' 'er binnin.
2. The hinge of leather connecting the hand-staff and souple of a flail (Abd. 1921 T.S.D.C.; ‡Ork. 1972).
[Variant of Eng. trammel, †a hobble for a horse, a hindrance or impediment.]You may wish to vary the format shown below depending on the citation style used.
"Thrammel n.1". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 19 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/thrammel_n1>
