Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1968 (SND Vol. VII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1877-1958
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RICK, v.1, n.1 Also rik(k).
I. v. 1. To pierce with a sharp upward jerk as a hook or fish spear pierces a fish, to hook (a fish) (Sh. a.1838 Jam. MSS. XII. 186, 1866 Edm. Gl., 1914 Angus Gl., Sh. 1968).Sh. 1899 Shetland News (25 Feb.):
A ting o' a brismik 'at Johnnie rikit.Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928):
De piltek was rikket i' de back. . . . I'm rikket my finger.Sh. 1931 Shetland Times (14 March) 7:
Laek nawthin' sae much on ert' is a rikkit codlin,.
Derivs.: (1) rikker, a spar with a hook attached for use as a fish spear (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl., 1908 Jak. (1928), Sh. 1968); a small boat spar (Edm.); (2) rikki, a fish spear (Angus; Sh. 1968).
2. Of a hook or pointed object: to catch on to' to hook on to' engage in (Sh. 1968).Sh. 1928 J. Gray Lowrie (1949) 14:
A vild iron heuk thing stikkin' oot frae da tram, rickit athin wir front wheel.Sh. 1958 New Shetlander No. 47. 9:
The ring was found, rikkit in a Shetland scarf she'd been wearing.
II. n. A sharp upward jerk, a sudden pull (Sh. 1968).Sh. 1877 G. Stewart Fireside Tales 13:
Sae as ye can gie your waand a rick da minnit your bait is oot o' sicht.Sh. 1891 J. Burgess Rasmie's Büddie 93:
Dey tak nae toucht o widdered heuks, An o da fytal rik.Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928):
To gi'e a rikk at onything.
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"Rick v.1, n.1". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 6 Feb 2026 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/rick_v1_n1>
