scowles, n. pl. dial.
[Of obscure origin: cf. scowl n.3]
(Also scowl-holes.) See quots. Hence scowle v. intr., (of mine-workings) to cave in.
| 1835 4th Rep. Dean Forest Comm. 3 The excavations, provincially called Scowles, which exist in many parts of the Forest, have evidently been made for the purpose and in the course of getting out the ore. 1884 N. & Q. Ser. vi. X. 288 The word applied to the actual quarries is usually scowl-holes, Scowles having become a place-name in several localities. 1890 Glouc. Gloss., Scowles..A very common word here [i.e. Forest of Dean] for the sides of workings in coal or iron mines falling in. The miners say ‘scowling in’. |