Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1974 (SND Vol. IX).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

‡SWAIBLE, v., n. Also swabble.

I. v. 1. intr. To dabble in a liquid, splash about, swill.Ork. 1880 Dennison Sketch-Bk. 134:
[He] finds a curse or he be deun Wha swabbles i' a cogie.

2. To mop up, swab, wash, scour energetically (Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.).Rxb. 1927 E. C. Smith Braid Haaick 21:
A've swaibblt masul weel up wui waeter.

II. n. A splashing or sousing with water.Rxb. 1925 E. C. Smith Mang Howes 23:
A got masel cleaned an spruisht wui a grand swaibble o waeter.