reddle, n.
(ˈrɛd(ə)l)
[var. ruddle: cf. also raddle.]
Red ochre, ruddle.
| 1727–41 Chambers Cycl., Reddle, Ruddle, or Red oker. 1748 J. Hill Hist. Fossils 47 This is the substance commonly called in English Reddle, and is the Rubrica fabrilis. 1805 R. W. Dickson Pract. Agric. II. 1147 Smearing the fore-bows of the rams with reddle, ochre, or some similar substance that has the property of marking. 1879 Rutley Stud. Rocks x. 155 Hematite also occurs in a granular state, sometimes earthy as reddle. |
Hence ˈreddle v. trans., to paint or wash over with reddle.
| 1796 G. M. Woodward Eccentric Excursions vii. (1796) 81 The floor is reddled, the walls white-washed. 1854 A. E. Baker Northampt. Gloss. s.v. Plough Monday, A number of boys with their faces blacked and reddled. |