subs. (common).—A countryman, bumpkin, lout: in contempt. Hence as adj. (or YOKELISH) = rustic.
1838. DICKENS, Oliver Twist, xxxi. ‘This wasn’t done by a YOKEL, eh, Duff?’ ‘Certainly not,’ replied Duff. ‘And translating the word YOKEL for the benefit of the ladies, I apprehend your meaning to be that this attempt was not made by a countryman?’ said Mr. Losberne, with a smile. ‘That’s it, master,’ replied Blathers.
18[?]. HOOD, A Row at the Oxford Arms. Lord knows their names, I’m sure I don’t, no more than any YOKEL.
1847–8. THACKERAY, Vanity Fair, Preface. YOKELS looking up at the tinselled dancers and poor old rouged tumblers.
1869. BLACKMORE, Lorna Doone, xl. Thou art not altogether the clumsy YOKEL and the clod I took thee for.
