The word "rickle" refers to a small, unstable pile of objects. Its phonetic transcription is /ˈrɪkəl/, pronounced as RIK-uhl. The word has a silent "e" at the end, which changes the pronunciation of the "i" from short to long. The letter "k" is used instead of "c" to add emphasis to the hard "k" sound. The word is commonly used in phrases like "a rickle of books" or "a rickle of stones", and is derived from the Scottish word "rik", meaning "a heap".
Rickle is a noun that refers to a small pile or stack of objects, often loosely stacked or arranged in an untidy manner. The term can also be used as a verb to describe the act of piling or stacking items in a disorderly fashion.
In its noun form, a rickle is typically used to describe a collection of lightweight objects such as sticks, twigs, or stones, which are piled haphazardly. The term is commonly associated with objects that are not neatly arranged, demonstrating a level of disarray or instability. For example, one might say, "There was a rickle of books on the shelf, waiting to topple over."
As a verb, to rickle means to pile or stack with little care for neatness or stability. It implies a lack of precision or organization in arranging objects. For instance, someone might say, "He rickled the firewood outside the shed, making it difficult to find a suitable piece."
Overall, rickle conveys the idea of untidiness or disorderliness in the arrangement of objects, emphasizing a casual or careless manner of stacking or piling.
In Scot., a small heap.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "rickle" is derived from Middle English "rekkele" or "rekelen", which ultimately comes from Old English "hreclian". In Old English, "hreclian" meant 'to move clumsily or totter.' Over time, the meaning of the word evolved to refer specifically to a pile or heap that is unstable or in danger of collapsing. This sense of instability has carried through to modern usage, where "rickle" is used to describe a small or unstable stack or pile of objects.