Skirl

//skɜɹl// noun, verb

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    A shrill sound, as of bagpipes. Northern-England, Scotland

    "To a resounding wail headed by the King-Kong skirl, all gangs joined in hauling in the net."

  2. 2
    the sound of (the chanter of) a bagpipe wordnet
  3. 3
    A blast (of wind-blown snow or rain); a gust (especially if accompanied by snow or rain, or a shill or whistling sound).

    "The wind can blow the bulk of a skirt between a woman's legs, or wrap her in a twist, or billow underneath so skirls of wind touch faintly, delightfully. Some women hear skirts murmuring or sighing, or conversing with the flesh they cover. But most skirts drape in silence, the silence of slow snow falling, or the hushed liquid glide of a[…]"

Verb
  1. 1
    To make a shrill sound, as of bagpipes. Northern-England, Scotland

    "Come here, or stay where ye are, and skirl as loud ye can — it's a' ye're gude for — l say, ye auld deevil, skirl — skirl — louder — louder, woman — gar the gentles hear ye in the ha' — I have heard ye as far off as the Bass for a less matter."

  2. 2
    Alternative form of shirl. alt-of, alternative

    "To show that there is nothing absurd in this notable scheme of sending first-rate men-of-war skirling along the surface of the ocean, Mr. Macneill tells the following most marvellous story : […]"

  3. 3
    play the bagpipes wordnet
  4. 4
    make a shrill, wailing sound wordnet

Etymology

Etymology 1

Originally from Scots and Northern English dialects (as a verb), probably of Old Norse origin; ultimately imitative.

Etymology 2

Originally from Scots and Northern English dialects (as a verb), probably of Old Norse origin; ultimately imitative.

Etymology 3

Also from Scots and Northern English dialects.

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