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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.

Jank, v. [Of obscure origin.] a. tr. To evade, dodge, give the slip to. b. intr. To cheat, shuffle, practise evasions. Also, to fob, put off. — 1666-74 Fraser Polichron. 512.
This indeed blew Sir Mungos design blind and he is janked off with a piece of money 1680 Aberd. Council Lett. VI. 204.
And therby probablie janked us aff to June quich necessitat us to the short dyet 1685 Lauder Observes 179.
Sir John Cochrane … undertook, with the help of guides, to conduct them safe in to Galloway and so jank their ennemy a1689 Cleland Poems 19.
Now he's rewarded for such pranks, When he would pass, it's told he janks