Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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First published 1976 (SND Vol. X).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

WAUL, v. Also wawl, wall. [wɒ:l]

1. intr. or absol. To look at or on someone with wide, rolling eyes, either in a stupid or surprised manner, or fiercely and intimidatingly (Sc. 1825 Jam.; Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B., wall; s.Sc. 1973); to gaze with a drowsy eye (Peb. 1825 Jam.).Sc. 1822 Scott Pirate xxx.:
He wawls on me with his grey een, like a wild-cat.Slk. 1822 Hogg Perils of Man (1972) xxvii.:
Ye needna waul wi' your muckle een.Rxb. 1871 R. Allan Poems 117:
The younker chields a' gap'd and waul'd amazed.Rxb. 1968:
That wumman has naething to say tae oniebodie. Jists stands an wauls at folk!

2. intr. Of eyes: to roll wildly. Freq. in ppl.adj. waulin, rolling.Slk. 1817 Hogg Poetic Mirror 196:
Quhill ilken bosome byrnit with lufe, And waulit ilken ee.Rxb. 1871 R. Allan Poems 116:
His waulin' een tauld me he loo'd the warl'.Rxb. 1958 Trans. Hawick Arch. Soc. 25:
Big wallen een or a floon-oot mooth.