Sc. Obs. Forms: 6 wid(d)ill, widle, 7 widdle. [Origin obscure.]

1

  1.  trans. To invoke or inflict a curse upon: = CURSE v. 2, 5.

2

1552.  Abp. Hamilton, Catech. (1884), 63. Quha brekis the secund command?… thai that … wariis, bannis and widdillis thair saule … for ony vaine mater. Ibid. Thai that will nocht chasteis … thair barnis fra lesingis, sweiring, banning and widling.

3

a. 1568.  in Bannatyne MS. (Hunter. Club), 385/29. The hennis of Hadingtoun sensyne wald nocht lay, For this wyld wilroun wich thame widlit sa and wareit.

4

a. 1585.  Montgomerie, Cherrie & Slae, 250. Like Dido, Cupido I widill and warye.

5

  2.  To beguile, to lead astray.

6

1697.  Cleland, Poems, 80. It’s Antichrist his Pipes and Fidles, And other Tools, wherewith he Widdles Poor Caitiffs into dark delusions.

7