Ettle

From Middle English etlien, atlien, from Old Norse ǣtla ("to think, mean, suppose, intend, purpose"), from Proto-Germanic *ahtalōną ("to strive, think"), from Proto-Indo-European *ok- ("to think, intend, purpose"); partly from Middle English aghtelen, ahtlien ("to think, esteem, purpose, set out, arrange"), from a frequentative variant of Old English eahtian ("to estimate, esteem, fix the character or quality of something, consult about, consider, deliberate, mediate, devise, watch over, speak of with praise"), from Proto-Germanic *ahtōną ("to think, believe, fear"), from Proto-Germanic *ahwjaną ("to believe, intend, think, fear"), from Proto-Indo-European *okʷ-, *h₃ekʷ- ("to see"). Cognate with Dutch achten ("to deem, regard, esteem, think"), German achten ("to heed, respect, value"), Danish agte ("to esteem, intend, observe, heed"), Gothic 𐌰𐌷𐌾𐌰𐌽 (ahjan, "to think"). More at eye.

Full definition of ettle

Verb

1. (transitive, dialectal, chiefly Scotland) To aim; purpose; intend; attempt; try.
2. (transitive, dialectal, chiefly Scotland) To expect; reckon; count on.
3. (intransitive, dialectal, chiefly Scotland) To take aim.
4. (intransitive, dialectal, chiefly Scotland) To make attempt.
5. (intransitive, dialectal, chiefly Scotland) To direct one's course.
6. (intransitive, dialectal, chiefly Scotland) To aspire; be ambitious.

Derived terms

• ettler
• ettling

Noun

1. (dialectal, chiefly Scotland) Intention; intent; aim.

Synonyms

• mint

A variation of addle ("to earn").

Verb

1. (obsolete) To earn.

Related terms

• ettlings