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: 1869, 1921-1961
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TOITLE, v., n. Also tytle. [tɔitl: ne.Sc. təitl]
I. v. 1. To walk with short slow or feeble steps, to totter, toddle, to idle about aimlessly (Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 203; ne.Sc. 1972). Also in n.Eng. dial. Ppl.adj. toitlin, pottering, ineffectual.Dmf. 1869 A. C. Gibson Cmb. Folk-Speech 102:
Auld Wullye Smyth cam toytlan' benne.ne.Sc. 1921 Swatches o' Hamespun 13:
For a daidlin', toitlin' sharger.Abd. 1961 Buchan Observer (31 Jan.):
I was tytlin' awa' doon the wye o' the smiddy.
2. To run about in an ingratiating or obsequious manner; with after: to dance attendance on (Bnff., Abd. 1972).
II. n. 1. A short quick or uncertain step or gait, a toddle (Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 203; ne.Sc. 1972).
2. A person of small stature (Gregor).
[Dim. or freq. form of Toit; cf. Toiter, and dytle s.v. Dyte.]You may wish to vary the format shown below depending on the citation style used.
"Toitle v., n.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 16 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/toitle>
