Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1974 (SND Vol. IX).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1897-1908
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VISK, n. Also dim. form viskal, viskle (Sh. 1973). [vɪsk(əl)]
1. A small bunch of straw twisted for various purposes, a wisp (Sh. a.1838 Jam. MSS. XI. 226, 1908 Jak. (1928), Sh. 1973).Sh. 1897 Shetland News (4 Dec.):
Dey're lyin' below da gloystane wi' a viskle o' gloy apo da tap o' dem.Sh. 1899 J. Spence Folk-Lore 242:
Da skipper wis sittin' wi' a viskal o' gloy windin' fytlins fur da cappies.
2. Transf. A warped or perverse mood or disposition (Sh. a.1838 Jam. MSS. XI. 226, Sh. 1973). Hence ill-viskit, having a bad nature or mood (Sh. 1973).Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928):
De coo set a visk atill her — the cow tossed her head in bad temper. He set a visk atill him — he took offence and would not say anything.
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"Visk n.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 6 Feb 2026 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/visk>
