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Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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

†SPARTLE, v., n. Also spurtle. [spɑrtl, spʌr-]

I. v. intr. To move the body or limbs in a sprawling or struggling manner; to kick about, wriggle, to propel oneself in this way (Gall. 1824 MacTaggart Gallov. Encycl. 433; Sc. 1825 Jam.). Also fig.n.Sc. 1710 T. Ruddiman Gl. to Douglas Aeneis:
Sprinkilland, gliding swiftly with a tremulous motion of their tails; Scot. Bor. call it Spartling.Kcb. 1789 D. Davidson Seasons 12. 30:
And powheads spartle in the oosy glosh . . . Syne on the bank, The yellow captive's flung, a spartlin sight.Kcb. 1815 J. Gerrond Poems 73:
Sam ay worries, Jean ay spartles, Angry words though pleased at heart.Sc. 1824 Scots Mag. (May) 537:
He made a glaum at the ladder, but missed the grip, and kicked and spurtled maist awsomely, as he was hanging.Sc. 1828 Child Waters in Child Ballads (1956) II. 94:
The bairn that was between her sides There spartled and he lap.Gsw. 1863 J. Young Ingle Nook 142:
They'd better kick and spurtle there This towmond roun'.Lnk. 1895 J. Nicholson Kilwuddie 164:
Dinna spurtle wi' yer feet, or ye'll wauken Tam.Kcb. a.1902 Gallovidian (1913) 108:
The howkin' art forget will the race porcine, Besides the gate o' spurtlin in the mire.

II. n. A kick, a leap, a heaving or tossing of the body.Gall. 1824 MacTaggart Gallov. Encycl. 265:
Whan gussey in the dub did lie, And hardly gaed a spartle.Sc. 1828 Child Waters in Child Ballads No. 63 G. iv.:
The bairn that was between her sides There he gied spartles three.