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.
Quotation dates: 1499-1540, 1597-1608
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Likking, vbl. n. Also: likkyng, licking, liking. [ME. likkynge (1387), e.m.E. licking, f. Lik v.] Licking. b. In the phr. the licking of one's thumbe (as a symbolic affirmation of good faith in making a promise or sealing a bargain). c. concr., and chiefly plur. What remains for licking after the contents of a dish or vessel have been consumed: the scrapings or dregs, the leavings. — a1598 Ferg. Prov. MS. No. 981.
Liking is cryed doun, tak a shule and shoot in yowb. 1608 Crawford Mun. Invent. II. 229.
I am not vnmyndfull of the licking of my thumbe, bot … my wordis … wes that I cald not be able to keipe the preceise tyme of mertimesc. a1500 Henr. Twa Mys 88 (Asl.).
My dische likingis [B. likking] is worth ȝour hale expens 1540 Lynd. Sat. 4383 (B).
Quhen all is drunkin I got to skair The likkyngis [Ch. lickings] of the cop
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"Likking vbl. n.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 17 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/dost/likking>
