Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1971 (SND Vol. VIII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1899, 1952
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SKAVLE, v. Also skaivel, -le, skaevel, skevl, skavel-, skeavl, skjaevle. See also Skewl. [skevl; Ork. skjevl]
1. To make awry or out of shape, to twist, knock or wear to one side, as of shoes (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl., 1908 Jak. (1928), Sh. 1970). Deriv. skavelach, dishevelled, harum-scarum (Cai. 1952).Sh. 1899 Shetland News (19 Aug.):
A bit o' bain 'at I wis pitten apo' da ootside o' da sole o' me left blutcher bekis I wis skjaevlin him.Sh. 1952 J. Hunter Taen wi da Trow 206:
Nor yet wis rivlin ever med Yon trip wid no hae skaevelld.
2. To walk with a crooked, twisting gait, to totter, reel in walking (Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 156; Cai. 1904 E.D.D.; Ork. 1970); to walk with a silly, affected air (Gregor). Ppl.adj., vbl.n. skaivlan, -in. Deriv. skaively, esp. of the feet: awry, squint, ungainly (Ork. 1929 Marw.).
[Freq. verbal form from Skave, adj.]You may wish to vary the format shown below depending on the citation style used.
"Skavle v.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 14 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/skavle>
