A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 1963 (DOST Vol. III).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1375-1400, 1499-1513, 1568
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Herkin, v. Also: -ine, -yn, herkn-. [ME. herken, herkn-en, OE. heorcnian. Cf. Harkin v.] intr. and tr. To listen (to).(1) 1375 Barb. vi. 86 (E).
He herknyt, and herd [etc.] 1375 Ib. 107.
Lang stude he herknand [C. herkynand] a1400 Legends of the Saints xxxviii. 261.
I pray ȝow, herknes here a1400 Ib. l. 838.
Sir King, herkine to me a1500 Doug. King Hart 808.
The king … herknit syn ane quhyle to wit his taill c1568 Lauder Minor P. i. 380.
Now herkin fordwart; and ȝe sall schortlie heir The secund proffeit(2) 1513 Doug. vi. ix. 54.
Ene gan him arrest, … herknand this feirfull dyn
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"Herkin v.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 14 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/dost/herkin>
