A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 2001 (DOST Vol. X).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Strekin(g, Streikin(g, Straightin, vbl. n. Also: strea(c)king, striking. [ME and e.m.E. strekynge (Rolle), streykynge (Prompt. Parv.), streaking (1586); Strek(e v.]
1. The action of laying out a corpse (Strek(e v. 7).1618 Dunferm. Weavers 107.
[From the] streikin [of the corpse to the burial and] dairgie 1697 Berw. Doc. fol. 1 No. 124.
Efter his death at his straightin ane gallown off aill and cake off breid … ane gallown of aill and two cakes of breid at his lykwalk
2. ? Running around, careering up and down (Strek(e v. 8).a1500 Gol. & Gaw. 916.
The stedis stakerit in the stour, for streking on stray 1691 Strathblane Par. 333.
Comperit John and Robert Leitches and Mathew Prowan and confesseit thar breatch of the Sabboth day by streaking, scolding and flytting
3. The action of (? commencing) ploughing (once, harrowing) (Strek(e v. 9).1555 Peebles B. Rec. I 218.
At the streking of the plewis … and at harrowis streking 1582 Prot. Bk. J. Robertsone 19b.
The cornis was schorne … afoir the said Cristane streiking this instant day vpone the quhilkis streiking of plewchis ering telling [etc.] 1699 Misc. 3 Spald. C. II 113.
The storm of snow did stop the pleughs going efter treuelday from the streacking his pleugh
b. attrib. With tyme: The time of year when ploughing commences.a1500 Henr. Fab. 2234.
Thair wes ane husband … Sa happinnit him in streiking tyme of ȝeir … to follou furth his feir, vnto the pleuch 1565 Inverness Rec. I 130.
That at strekin tyme in the Freiouris Watter that he or scho cum and labyr thair pairtis of the saidis Freiouris Watter 1567 Inverness Rec. I 147.
That quhar the said Johne McGillewye deliuerit him at strekin tyme certan oxin for the pleucht 1587 Perth B. Ct. 17 April.
At the feist of Sanct Andro nixt tocum callit streking tym
4. ? The action of raising and lowering.1684 Sheriffhall Coal Accompt 8 March.
For striking the bucat 3 dayes & tuo nights
