Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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First published 1976 (SND Vol. X).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

WHENK, v., n. Also whink, hwink (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928)); wheenk. [ʍɛŋ, ʍɪ ŋk, ʍiŋk]

I. v. 1. To make a sudden jerky movement with the head or body, to toss the head or shrug the shoulders quickly in a disdainful or mischievous way, to flounce (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928); I.Sc. 1974).Ork. 1929 Marw.:
Wheenkan an' laughan.Sh. 1949 New Shetlander No. 19. 34:
Wheenkin his heid fae side ta side till he minded you o a fantail pigeon at da coortin time.

2. To walk with a jaunty, saucy or wanton air (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl., whink, 1914 Angus Gl.). Freq. in ppl.adj. whenkin, whinkin.

II. n. A sudden movement in turning one's head or body (Jak.; Marw.); “an odd gesture, a peculiar lively movement” (Angus). Often in pl. = restlessness, fidgetting.Sh. 1924 T. Manson Peat Comm. 139:
Dir a whenks ipu Mary at's nedder moaderate or aesy.