Brewer's: Vole

He has gone the vole - i.e. been everything by turns. Vole is a deal at cards that draws the whole tricks. The verb vole means to win all the tricks. Vole is a French word Faire la vole- i.e. “Faire soul toutes les levées,” de voler- i.e. enlever.

“Who is he [Edie Ochiltree]? Why, he has gone the vole - has been soldier, ballad-singer, travelling tinker, and now a beggar.” —SirW.Scott: The Antiquary, chap. iv.

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