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.
SNIBBLE, n. Also, in sense 1., snibbelt, snibbit. [′snɪbəl]
1. A wooden knob or pin at one end of a rope or tether which fits into a loop to make it fast, a toggle (Gall. 1824 MacTaggart Gallov. Encycl. 430; Rxb. 1825 Jam., snibble, -elt, -it).
2. A bar of wood or iron used as a brake or drag on a waggon or hutch in mining (Sc. 1886 J. Barrowman Mining Terms 62; Fif., w.Lth., Lnk., Ayr. 1971). Also fig.Lnl. 1889 F. Barnard Chips frae the Engine Lum 138:
I fear ye've put a snibble in, Ye've fairly knock'd me out o' tune.Ayr. 1913 J. Service Memorables 65:
Without a snibble in your hutch.Fif. 1950 Edb. Ev. Dispatch (28 Jan.):
I put a snibble into the hind wheel of the last hutch.Ayr. 1991:
Pit a snibble in it.
