Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1976 (SND Vol. X).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
WHAARL, n. Also wha(a)rle; hwarl (Jak.). Sh. forms of Eng. whorl, the perforated stone, wood or metal disk used as a weight on a spindle, the flywheel of a spinning-wheel (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl., 1914 Angus Gl., Sh. 1974); also transf. the crown of the head from which the hair radiates in all directions (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928), 1914 Angus Gl.). [hʍɑrl]Sh. 1899 Shetland News (16 Dec.):
Girzzie took da whaarles aff o' da flicht an' pat a foo pirm apo' da sweerie pin.
