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A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)

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About this entry:
First published 1937 (DOST Vol. I).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Blenk, v. P.t. blenkit, -vt, -ed, P.p. blenkyd. [Northern ME. blenk(e, to glance, glitter, to turn aside, etc., corresp. to midl. and southern blenche(n, OE. blencan to deceive. See also Blent p.t., and Blink v.]

1. intr. To give a glance or sudden look.1375 Barb. vi. 633.
The kyng vith that blenkyt hym by
Ib. vii. 203.
The kyng blenkit vp hastely
a1400 Leg. S. xviii. 358.
As he blenkyt vpe with ee
c1420 Wynt. v. 2252.
That men mycht newyre … Ger hym blenk, na lauch, na smyle
?1438 Alex. ii. 2995.
Alexander blenkit vp on this wys
1456 Hay II. 8/35.
With that the said knycht blenkit up
a1500 Henr. Orph. 382.
Gif thow tornes or blenkis behynd thi bak
Id. Fab. 2538.
The wolf wes war, and blenkit him behind
a1500 Gol. & Gaw. 74.
The berne besely and bane blenkit hym about
c1500-c1512 Dunb. Tua Mar. W. 428.
Full oft I blenk by my buke
Ib. 487.
Mony blenkis ben our
Id. xxvii. 28.
Quhen he on the barrowis blenkit
1513 Doug. i. viii. 4.
A sycht quharon he blenkit thar
1560 Rolland Seven S. 241/6.
Sa belyve he blenkit him about
1567 G. Ball. 234.
Blenk in this mirrour, man
James VI in Disraeli Cur. Lit. (1866) 174/1.
Scarslie … having the leisure to blenk upon any paper

2. To gleam or glitter.1535 Stewart 10971.
Quhen … symmer come … With bemes bricht blenkand on euerilk beuch

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