A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
Hide Quotations Hide Etymology
About this entry:
First published 1986 (DOST Vol. VI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Prik, adj.1 Also: prick. [Cf. late ME prykeryd (c 1420), e.m.E. prycke eared etc., ‘prick-eared’, also e.m.E. pricke eares n. pl. (1634), and prick v. to raise or erect (one's ears etc.) (1587), and Prik n. 7.] Of ears: Pricked up, erect and pointed. —a1447 Bower Chron. II 376.
The vnlatit woman … Wyth prik ȝoukand eeris, as the awsk gleg c1500 Rowll Cursing 203 (B).
With prik mule eiris sum ar lyk 1513 Doug. iv v 20.
Quhou mony fedderis bene on hir body fynd … Als mony hes scho prik vpstandand eris [L. tot subrigit aures] 1650 Brechin Presb. 50.
Ther cam a spirit in the likeness of a catt … having prick luggs lyk a gryssie
