Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1974 (SND Vol. IX).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1792-1825
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TINKLE, v.1 Sc. usages:
1. As in Eng., to ring, chime, of or like a bell. Comb. †tinkle-sweetie, the 8 p.m. bell formerly rung in Edinburgh for the shutting of shops and workshops (see quot.).Edb. 1825 Jam., obs.:
The aught-hours bell was thus denominated, because the sound of it was so sweet to the ears of apprentices and shopmen, as they were then at liberty to shut in for the night.
2. tr. Fig. To ring the bells about, to sing the praises of (Lth. 1880 Jam.).Lnk. 1792 W. Young Airdrie Fair 4:
There packman billies set their stands, An' tinkle ower their braw things.
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"Tinkle v.1". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 14 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/tinkle_v1>
