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: 1847-1871
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TUSSLE, v. Sc. usages:
1. tr. To push or pull about, to scuffle with, treat roughly.Edb. 1856 J. Ballantine Poems 70:
Thy wee bit neck and bosom bare, Though tussled by the cauld raw air.Sc. 1858 Carlyle Frederick vii. vi.:
His Majesty hustled and tussled the unfortunate Crown-Prince.Cai. 1871 M. McLennan Peasant Life 28:
Assailing him and tussling him at unawares.
2. To bob or bounce about.Sc. 1847 R. Chambers Pop. Rhymes 231:
The kittlins aft grippit at the auld wife's spindle, as it tusseld owre the hearth-stane.
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"Tussle v.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 12 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/tussle>
