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.
TWINGLE-TWANGLE, int., n., v. [′twɪŋl-′twɑŋl]
I. int. A representation of the sound made by the strings, etc., of certain musical instruments when vibrated; twang!Sc. 1776 D. Herd Sc. Songs II. 184:
Twingle-twangle, twingle-twangle, went the harpers.
II. n. A twanging sound. Obs. in Eng.Ayr. 1791 Burns Letters (Ferguson) No. 436:
The twingle twangle of a jews-harp.
III. v. To make the strings of a musical instrument to vibrate, to twang.Kcb. 1900 Crockett Black Douglas xliv.:
Cocking his viol and twingle-twangling it to his satisfaction.
