A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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About this entry:
First published 2002 (DOST Vol. XII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1399-1400, 1500-1605
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Wink, Wynk, n. [ME and e.m.E wynke (Manning), wink (c1325).] a. A closing of the eyes in order to sleep. Chiefly in the phrase not (never) sleip a wink, not to sleep at all. b. The time taken to close and open the eyes, a moment; at (with) a wink, very quickly, in the time it takes to close and open the eyes.a. (1) a1400 Legends of the Saints xxvii 1204.
He & his thar with thame abad, Till thai the seruice all had mad, That to sic deide men suld parteyne, Or ony wink come in thar eyne(2) c1500-c1512 Dunb. (OUP) 115/14.
This night I myght not sleip a wink 1513 Doug. iv x 15.
Neuer mair may scho sleip a wynk 1535 Stewart 49175.
[He] Woik mony nycht and durst nocht sleip a wynk c1550 Lynd. Meldrum 899.
That nicht he sleipit neuer ane wink, Bot still did on the ladie thinkb. 1596 Dalr. II 206/29.
How prompe and radie to do the king pleisour at a wink quhen he wald charge a1605 Montg. Sonn. xiii 4.
Bright Apollo staineth euiry star With goldin rayis, vhen he begins to ryse … Quhen with a wink we wonder vhair they war
