C2. In sense of ‘male’, as carl cat, carl crab. Also carl hempn., carmann.1The asserted occurrence of carl-catt, carl-fugol, etc. in Old English appears to be an error: they have not been found by us even in Middle English.
ΚΠ
c1605 A. MontgomerieFlyting with Polwart 670Carle cats weepe vinegar with their eine.
1691 J. RayN. Country Words (E.D.S.) Carl-cat, a boar or he-cat.
1710 R. SibbaldHist. Fife & Kinrossii. iii. 55 The Common sea-crab..the Male they call the Carle-Crab.