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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1971 (SND Vol. VIII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

SKEWL, v., n., adv. Also skow(e)l, skool-, skyowl; ¶skewld. [′skjʌu(ə)l]

I. v. 1. tr. To turn aside, deflect from its normal course or position (n.Sc. 1808 Jam.; Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 165, skyowl; Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B., Rxb. 1970); intr. to turn obliquely, to swerve (Watson). Ppl.adj. skewled, having an oblique direction (n.Sc. 1808 Jam.), off the straight, crooked (Per. 1915 Wilson L. Strathearn 267, Per. 1970). Adj. skooly, id. (Ayr. 1921 T.S.D.C.).Per.⁴ 1960:
As skyowl' as a dug's hint leg.

2. To distort, screw up, twist (Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 165; Ags. 1880 Jam.). Hence skowlie, turning (the mouth) to one side.Fif. 1827 W. Tennant Papistry Storm'd 60:
See Sipsie! how he skewls his mou'.Per. 1893 R. M. Fergusson My Village 147:
The nickname “Skowlie” . . . had been applied to him from the particular twist which he gave his mouth during the recital of his tales.

3. To go over one's shoes, to wear shoes to one side (Kcd. 1944). Ppl.adj. ¶skewlded, of shoes: worn to one side. Deriv. skewlie, over at heel (Slg. 1958).Ags. 1848 Feast Liter. Crumbs (1891) 17:
Farewell my tatter'd, toil-worn bachals, Though now a pair o' puir skewld'd shachals.

4. To walk with a rocking sideways gait, often from affectation (Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 165). Ppl.adj. skyowlin, walking in this manner, splaying the feet (Ib.).

II. n. A turning aside, a twist (Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 165; Rxb. 1970).Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.:
Gie the stane a bit skewl.

III. adv. In a twisted manner, with a waddling gait (Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 165).