Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1965 (SND Vol. VI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
MIRKLE, n. Also mirkyal, myrkle. In pl., the radical or basal leaves of the seaweed, Alaria esculenta (Ork. 1866 Edm. Gl., 1929 Marw., Ork. 1963). Cf. hinniewar s.v. Hinnie, I. 2. (16). [′mɪrk(j)əls]Ork. 1806 P. Neill Tour 21:
This large sea-weed [Fucus esculentus] is winged at the base with flat sword-shaped leafits: these leafits are known in Orkney by the name of mirkles, and are frequently eaten.Ork. 1880 Dennison Sketch-Bk. 58:
Boiled i' sa'twater for sasenin', an' dan aetan wi' mirkels for kitchen.
