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.
WIRL, v. To fret, whine, be peevish or querulous (Sh. a.1838 Jam. MSS. XI. 228, 1866 Edm. Gl., 1914 Angus Gl., Sh. 1974). Hence ppl.adj. wirlin, fretting, fretful, peevish (Jam., Edm.).Sh. 1932 J. M. E. Saxby Trad. Lore 204:
A sick or peevish child wirls.
