Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1934 (SND Vol. I).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

BEEK, n.

1. “The act of basking in the sun or at the fire” (Sc. 1825 Jam.²).Sc. 1725 Ramsay Gentle Shepherd Act V. Sc. ii. Prologue:
Glaud by his morning ingle takes a beek.Abd.⁷ 1925:
An article of clothing getting a short period at the fire before being donned is said to get a “beek at the fire.”

2. fig.Rnf. 1788 E. Picken Poems 88:
Life's just a wee bit sinny beek, That bright, an' brighter waxes.

3. (See quot.)Ork. 1929 Marw.:
Beek, a pile of tangles built up to dry in preparation for burning to make kelp. Each tier is laid at right angles to the tier below.