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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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First published 1971 (SND Vol. VIII). Includes material from the 2005 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

SCUDDLE, v.1, adv., n. [skʌdl]

I. v. 1. To wash dishes, pots, etc., to do the rough work in a kitchen or scullery (Cld. 1825 Jam.). Hence comb. scuddlin-boy, a kitchen-boy, a scullion. See also Scuddler.Sc. 1825 Jam.:
But up then spake the scuddlin-boy.

2. To work in a slatternly way, to mess about at domestic work (Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 151; Cai. 1903 E.D.D.; ne.Sc., Per. 1969); to do odd jobs here and there (Uls. 1953 Traynor). Deriv. and combs. scuddler, an unyoked horse following behind a cart, etc., an animal that tends to lag behind, or to be last in coming to food (Abd. 1969), scuddlin claes, one's second-best clothes, (Ork., Cai., ne.Sc., Ags., Per. 1969), also in form scuddlers; scuddlin tow, the rope by which a horse is led behind a cart (Abd. 1964).Ags. 1907 Arbroath Guide (5 Oct.) 3:
I've keepit on my scuddlin claes.
Kcd. 1933 L. G. Gibbon Cloud Howe 170:
The yellow boots that he wore for scuddling.
Abd. 1993:
E aye wore eez scuddlers fin e geed tae the mart.

3. To sully, soil or make (one's clothes) shabby or shapeless by rough usage (Lth. 1825 Jam.; Abd., Ags. 1969). This may however be a mistake or altered form for Suddle.Abd. 1966 Huntly Express (16 Sept.) 2:
Did ye notice their aul', scuddlet baggie?

4. To walk in a slovenly manner (Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 151).

II. adv. In an ungainly or slovenly way.Bnff. Ib.:
He gaed scuddle through the closs.

III. n. 1. The washing of dishes, etc., work at a kitchen sink (Cld. 1880 Jam.); a quick or hasty wash (Fif. 1952); working or walking in a slovenly manner (Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 151). Adj. †scudlay, used when washing or doing rough wet work. This form is doubtful and may be a misreading for scudling.Rxb. 1751 Jedburgh Session Rec. MS. (17 June):
She owned that she had on her scudlay brat.

2. A worn, shabby or stained piece of dress (Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 150).

[A back-formation from Scuddler. O.Sc. scudle, to wash dishes, 1581.]

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"Scuddle v.1, adv., n.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 28 Mar 2024 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/scuddle_v1_adv_n>

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