A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 2002 (DOST Vol. XII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1513
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Wrele, Wreil, v. [? Cf. Rele v.1 to move, violently, unsteadily or uncontrollably, also ? in a circle (cf. Rele n. 2, a whirling motion). SND (Reel v.1 9, to be in a state of confusion) cites a form wreil (1827) or ? cf. Wraiglane ppl. adj. wriggling, which, however, is recorded only once.] intr. ? To move violently ? in a circular fashion; to struggle. — 1513 Doug. i Prol. 298.
Quha is attachit ontill a staik … May go na ferthir bot wreil [Sm. wrele] about that tre 1513 Doug. v iv 114.
Sergest behynd sone left hes he Wreland [L. luctantem] on skelleys
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"Wrele v.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 15 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/dost/wrele>
