v. north. dial. Also 7 braggle. [app. a frequentative f. BROG v.] intr. To continue poking with a stick or pointed instrument in a hole; also spec. to fish for eels, by thrusting a stick with a baited hook into the holes, and under the stones where they lie. Hence Broggling, also called sniggling.
1653. W. Lauson, Comm. Secr. Angling, in Arb., Garner, I. 195. A way to catch Eels by Braggling. Go into some shallow place of the river among the great stones, and braggle up and down till you find holes under the stones.
1678. Phillips (App.), Brogle for Eels, to fish for Eels.
1681. Chetham, Anglers Vade-m., xxii. § 5 (1689), 146. Brogling or Snigling.
1792. Osbaldiston, Brit. Sportsm., 78/2. Brogling, a method of fishing for eels.