A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 1951 (DOST Vol. II).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Durk, n. Also: dowrk, durck. [Of obscure origin.] A dirk or dagger.1557 Inverness B. Rec. I. 9.
Mans McGillmichell is jugit in amerciament for the wranguse drawin of ane dowrk to Andro Dempster, and briking of the dowrk at the said Androis heid 1574 Ib. 234.
William McAgow strekis ane brocht on Johne Myllar that … the said Johne straik him wyth ane durk in the heid 1581 Edinb. Test. IX. 84.
He leuis to his barne … ane gun, tua swordis, ane steill bonet, ane durk 1597 Aberd. Sheriff Ct. I. 390.
A helane durk with scheath and byknife 1601 Misc. Spald. C. II. 145.
Williame Chayne … thifteouslie stal … tua beltis and durkis 1623 Crim. Trials III. 548.
Everie hour … thay gaif him three crewall straikis with ane durk 1644 Edinb. Test. LXI. 2 b.
Ane new secreitt of the prove of ane durk 1661 Reg. Privy C. 3 Ser. I. 20.
He … threatned to kill her with the drawen durk in his hand 1672 Alford Rec. 182.
He should be alyke with the said … Stewarts, either with swourd, durk, or whinger 1697 Fraser P. 31.
The Captain ordered Frazer … to cut her stays with his durkattrib. 1580 Inverness B. Rec. I. 279.
He … drew ane greit durk knyff … and gaif me thre streikiscomb. 1593 Edinb. Test. XXV. 48.
William Andersone durkmaker
