Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1960 (SND Vol. V).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1711, 1898
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HANKLE, v. Also hank(e)l; henk(e)l; †hangal.
1. To fasten, to tie up tightly (Sc. 1825 Jam.); to entangle (Kcb. 1956). Also fig.Sc. 1711 R. Wodrow Corresp. (1842) I. 243:
We are so far involved and hangalled, and our old unanimity, prudence, and zeal, are so much abated, that I am at a loss what to wish were done.
2. To wind or coil up (e.g. a fishing line), to form into loops (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl., henkl, 1908 Jak. (1928), henk(e)l, hank(e)l, Sh. 1956).Sh. 1898 Shetland News (13 Aug.):
I hankl'd up Staarna's teddir an' hang him ower da kneebi o' da klibber.
3. With aff: “to unwind yarn from a ball in knitting” (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928), Sh. 1956).Sh. 1898 Shetland News (23 July):
Shü hankl'd aff a lock o' wirsit aff o' a clue at wis lyin' in her lap.
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"Hankle v.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 5 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/hankle_v>
