Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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About this entry:
First published 1956 (SND Vol. IV). Includes material from the 1976 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
GORL, v.
1. “To surround the roof of a stack with straw-ropes, twisted in the form of lozenges for securing it against the wind” (Lth. 1808 Jam.). Also in form gorlin (Peb. a.1838 Jam. MSS. X. 119).
2. Vbl.n. gorlin, a neckcloth (Lth. 1825 Jam.); cross-ropes used in fastening the roof of a stack (Peb. a.1838 Jam. MSS. X. 119).
[Cf. Yks. dial. girl, to girdle, girl s.v. Girdle, and for change of vowel cf. Gordie. The new evidence however suggests the word may be a back-formation from gorlin = Garland, n.]
