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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1941 (SND Vol. II). Includes material from the 1976 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

CAMRELL, Camrel, Cam(m)eril, Kaameril, n. “A piece of wood used by butchers, notched on either end, used in hanging up carcases by the hind legs” (Gall. 1824 MacTaggart Gallov. Encycl. 108, camrell; Dmf. 1825 Jam.2, camrel, cammeril; 1899 J. Shaw Country Schoolmaster 345, cameril); “the beam from which the carcase of an ox is suspended” (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl., kaameril). [′kɑmrəl]Sc. 1699 Edb. Gazette (13 March): 
A big tree they term the Camrell, which is that whereon they hing Carcasses.

[Cf. O.Fr. gamberel (Godefroy), Mod.Fr. jambier, with meaning as above, from O.Fr. gambe, Mod.Fr. jambe, a leg. N.E.D. gives the form gambrel, a stick used to spread open and hang up a pig or other slaughtered animal, obs. exc. dial. Fr. and Eng. may ultimately derive from Keltic cam, crooked.]

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