Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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First published 1941 (SND Vol. II).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

BLOCKIN-, BLOCKAN ALE, Blockinell, n. Term used in ne.Sc. for the drink taken between the parties when a bargain has been concluded. Given by Jam.² (1825) for Bch., blockin-ale. Known to Bnff.², Abd.⁹ 1935. Cf. Block, v., n.² [′blɔkmel, ′blɔkmɛl]ne.Sc. 1881 W. Gregor Folk-Lore of N.-E. Scot. 189:
When the bargain was settled on, the buyer and seller struck hands, or, wetting their thumbs, pressed them together. Both went to a tent . . . for the sale of refreshments, when payment was made, and the “blockan ale” was drunk.Abd.¹³ 1910:
We'll hae a “tappit” hen for the “blockinell.”