Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1968 (SND Vol. VII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1900-1908, 1961
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PROIL, n., v. Also proyl (Sh. 1924 J. Hunter Poems 108); proll (Jak.), prol-; dim. form proly (Ork. 1929 Marw.). [prol]
I. n. Spoil, booty, plunder (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl., 1908 Jak. (1928), 1914 Angus Gl., Sh. 1966). Hence “a collection of almost worthless objects obtained by begging” (Jak.), trifles, odds-and-ends, clutter (Sh. 1966).Sh. 1900 Manson's Sh. Almanac 122:
Robbie was completely staggered as to where he should put the “proil” . . . painfully gathered during two days' wandering.Sh. 1961 New Shetlander No. 56. 25:
Hit aye üsed ta git bunged up noo an dan wi sly, an watter-clocks, an skories' pens, an proil.
II. v. To go in search of prey, to prowl (Sh. 1966).Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928):
De cat is proilin aboot.
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"Proil n., v.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 6 Jul 2026 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/proil>
