Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1934 (SND Vol. I).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1902
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BIRLER, n.
1. "The master of the revels, who presides at a feast, esp. at a 'bidden-wedding'" (E.D.D.). Given by N.E.D. as obs. or dial. See Birl(e), v.2, 1.
2. One who sets things moving.Hdg. 1902 J. Lumsden Toorle, etc. 77:
But, Jamie Wudd! the stanes at Laigh-lea hae gotten a new birler, an' hoo they'll row for Robin an' Effie I canna say.
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"Birler n.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 5 Apr 2026 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/birler>
