Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1952 (SND Vol. III). Includes material from the 1976 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1825-1838
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DAIBLE, v. and n. [debl]
1. v. Sc. form of Eng. dabble, used with all Eng. meanings. Also used in Sc. to mean specifically: (1) To wash (something) perfunctorily (Bwk. 1942 Wettstein; Rxb. 1825 Jam.2, 1923 Watson W.-B.).
(2) “To go about in an inactive and feeble way; generally applied to children” (Slk. (Ettr. For.) 1825 Jam.2).
(3) To trail in a bedraggled slopping manner. Peb. 1838 W. Welsh Poems 32:
Ilk muslin gown hang daiblin down, Wi' wet sae close was clappit.
2. n.
(1) A slight washing (Bwk. 1942 Wettstein; Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.)Rxb. 1825 Jam.2:
The claise has gotten a bit daible.
(2) “One who dabbles in or potters with a subject or matter” (Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.).
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"Daible v., n.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 6 Jul 2026 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/daible>
