Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

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

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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