E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
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 levócs,” de voler—i.e. enlever.
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“Who is he [Edie Ochiltree]? Why, he has gone the vole—has been soldier, ballad-singer, traveling tinker, and now a beggar.”—Sir W. Scott: The Antiquary, chap. iv.
