squally

adj

Etymology: Probably related to scall + -y.

1. Having unproductive wet spots due to poor drainage.

   “Red bird eyne (Primula veris flore rubro), and white bird eyne (albo), p. 784 , grow very plentifully in moist and squally grounds in the north parts of England, as in Harwood neere to Blackburn in Lancashire, and ten miles from Preston in Aundernesse, also at Crosby Rauenswaith, and Crag-close in Westmoreland.”

   “This method is accounted the best and cheapest way of hollow ditching, or draining, and will make the wettest squally land fit to bring very good corn, or to be laid down for grass, or other uses.”

2. Not equally good throughout; not uniform; uneven; faulty.

   “It is enacted, That if at any time after the first day of May, any cloth or kerſie, through the default or negligence of the carders, spinners or weavers, or any of them, shall or do prove pursy, cockly, bandy, squally or rowy by warp or woof, […]”