sool: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low (Archaic/Regional)Archaic / Dialectal / Regional
Quick answer
What does “sool” mean?
To incite or set (a dog) upon someone or something.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To incite or set (a dog) upon someone or something; to attack fiercely.
A regional and archaic term for urging an animal to attack, or figuratively, to urge someone to undertake a task aggressively.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Not used in standard American English. In British English, it is found only in historical texts or specific dialects (e.g., Irish, Scottish). It has somewhat wider, though still rare, currency in Australian English.
Connotations
Conveys a sense of aggressive provocation or goading. In Australian use, it can be less violent, meaning 'to urge on' in a task.
Frequency
Extremely rare in contemporary usage. Most commonly encountered in historical literature or as a dialectal curiosity.
Grammar
How to Use “sool” in a Sentence
sool [DOG/ANIMAL] on/onto [TARGET]sool [SOMEONE] into [ACTION]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sool” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The farmer would sool his sheepdog on the straying ewes.
- He threatened to sool his terriers onto the trespassers.
American English
- Not used in standard American English.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Only in historical or linguistic studies.
Everyday
Extremely rare outside specific regional dialects.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sool”
- Spelling it as 'soul' when the aggressive meaning is intended.
- Using it in formal or international contexts where it is unknown.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is archaic and regional. It is not part of standard modern English vocabulary.
Yes, especially in Australian usage, it can mean to urge someone vigorously into action, e.g., 'He sooled his team into finishing the project.'
'Sic' (as in 'sic the dog on him') is a more widely understood, though still informal, equivalent in American and some other Englishes.
It is pronounced like 'soul' (/suːl/). The identical pronunciation to the word 'soul' is a key reason for its obscurity.
To incite or set (a dog) upon someone or something.
Sool is usually archaic / dialectal / regional in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Sool 'em, boy!”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'SOOL' as 'SET ON (an animal) LOOSELY' – you set the animal loose on someone.
Conceptual Metaphor
AGGRESSION IS RELEASING A CONSTRAINT (releasing a dog = initiating an attack).
Practice
Quiz
In which variety of English is the verb 'sool' still occasionally heard?