According to the OED, it is an old Scots word meaning "a long discourse, rhapsody, rigmarole". The most recent example is from 1585, which I believe is a little bit before you moved up here, so you are forgiven for not knowing the word (I use it three or four times a day):

1585 POLWART Flyting w. Montgomerie 142, I laugh to see the bluiter Glor in thy ragments, rash to raill.