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.
Howk, Houk(e, v. Also: howck, houck. [Later form of Holk v.] tr. To dig, dig out, make by digging.(a) 1580 Elgin Rec. I. 155.
The said George … howkit his ȝaird 1581 Edinb. B. Rec. IV. 226.
Jhoune Robertsoun, thesaurer, to caus … fill vp the voyde and hoillis howkit vnder the said wall 1583–4 Ib. 317.
The … occupearis of the goldsmythis chopis … hes howkit and brokin the wallis of the kirk 1657 Melrose Reg. Rec. I. 146.
That no persone … sall pull upe, cutt, or howck … any of the broome Ib. 161.
John Bower … howked ane hole in the entrie that goes in to the persuers onsteid1686 Stuart Joco-Ser. Disc. 47.
Who howks a hole for any other His sel fau in16.. Sempill P. 40/38.
It very muckle did me please, To see him howk the Holland cheese(b) a1585 Maitl. Q. lxviii. 89.
Greit was the work to houke the ground & thy fundatioun cast 1660 Melrose Reg. Rec. I. 268.
[Those who] cuttis, houckis, away leids, … the Newsteid quhines 1665 Lauder Jrnl. 33.
He may go doune to the yard and houck out carrots 1683 Melrose Reg. Rec. III. 9.
John Uschar … houked ane seugh … doune allongs to the burne
b. Also, to dig into, penetrate, make a hole in.a1628 Carmichael Prov. No. 36.
A continual droping houks a stane 1590-1 R. Bruce Serm. 302.
By the Word ... piercing the ear outwardly, and the Spirit howking the heart inwardly
