Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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About this entry:
First published 1934 (SND Vol. I).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1898-1908
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BASSLE, BAS(S)EL, n. and v. All the meanings given below are known to Sh.4 [′bas(ə)l + ɑ]
1. n.
(1) "Bassel, a struggle" (Sh. 1914 Angus Gl).
(2) (See quot.)Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928):
Basel, a splash; plash; commotion as e.g. of a fish on the surface of the water or in the bottom of a boat, de basels o' a turbot.
(3) "Toil and moil; hard work" (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928).)
2. v.
(1) (See quot.)Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928):
Basel, to splash; plash; to make quick movements, as e.g. fish on the surface of the water or in the bottom of a boat; de fish basels (is baslin').
(2) To work hard; to toil; struggle with something.Sh. 1898 W. F. Clark Northern Gleams 60:
Afore he kent o' himsel he wis basslin' i' da very hert o' da guttery sharf [muddy place.]Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928):
To b[asel] awa at onything. To b[asel] against de wind.
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"Bassle n., v.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 5 May 2026 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/bassle>
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