Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1934 (SND Vol. I). Includes material from the 1976 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

ABLE, YIBBLE, adj. [ebl Sc., jɪ̢bl s.Sc.]

1. Obs. in sense of well-to-do, rich. Occurs in Godlie Ballads (S.T.S.) 130.Abd. 1826 in G. Humbert Literarische Einfiüsse in Schottischen Volksballaden (1932) 78: 
He wishes the whole of the work however large or expensive, as he is an able man.

2. Substantial. Mry. ⁴ 1932: 
Speaking of the strongest part, or the part for getting the best leverage for a sail on the boat, as the "ablest" part.Per. 1766 R. Nicol Poems 120:
An able house well thatch'd aboon.

3. Physically fit, strong; having an appetite for (I. and n.Sc., Per., wm.Sc. 1975). Gen.Sc. (obs. in St. Eng. See N.E.D.).Abd.² 1931:
The aul man's nae sa able as he aince wis.Abd. 1970: 
I was sick aa mornin and nae able for my denner.Rxb. 1915 Kelso Chronicle (16 April) 3:
He feers that mony yible chaps Obey not duty's ca'.Uls.³ 1931:
A big able fellow (well set-up, hefty).

4. Shrewd, cute, clever in looking after one's own interests.Cai.⁶ 1931:
Jock wis an able lad or he wid never hev got roon e factor is e did.Uls.³ 1931.