? Obs. Also 5–7 -ell, (5 iawvell, 6 iavelle, -all), 6–7 -il(l, 6–7 Sc. ievel(l, 6 iefwell, ieffell). [Derivation obscure: cf. CAVEL sb.2, HAVEL sb.1] A low or worthless fellow; a rascal.
13[?]. E. E. Allit. P., B. 1495. Þe lorde … Displesed much … Þat his iueles so gent wyth iaueles wer fouled.
c. 1440. York Myst., xxx. 235. O, what javellis are ye þat jappis with gollyng?
1500–20. Dunbar, Poems, lx. 15. Fowll jow-jowrdane-hedit jevellis.
1534. More, Treat. Passion, Introd., Wks. 1272. How much more abhominable is that pieuish pride in a lewde vnthriftye iauell.
a. 1572. Knox, Hist. Ref., Wks. 1846, I. 82. Pack you, Jefwellis [v.r. jeffells]: gett yow to your chargeis.
1591. Spenser, M. Hubberd, 309. Whenas Time … Expired had the terme, that these two iavels Should render up a reckning of their travels.
c. 1648–50. Brathwait, Barnabees Jrnl., IV. vij. Should this Javell dye next morrow, I partake not in his sorrow.
[1825. J. Wilson, Noct. Ambr., Wks. 1855, I. 3. Javel or Devil or how shall we call thee?]
