A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
Hide Quotations Hide Etymology
About this entry:
First published 1983 (DOST Vol. V).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Pik, Pyk, n.6 Also: pick; peik(e; peek. [e.m.E. pick(e (1543), pyke (1532), pike (1597), peake (1592), pi(c)que, pieque (17th c.), F. pique, f. piquer to pierce or sting.]
1. A personal quarrel between individuals; animosity, ill-feeling.(a) 1550 Reg. Privy C. I. 97.
Never to move pik gruge nor [ed. nor gruge] ony quarrell 1581-1623 James VI Poems I. 123/76.
The tree Dodonean & the tree by Attique land belouit The traces leaues of ancient pikkes remaining unremoued 1592 Warrender P. II. 176.
Particular grudgis and pickes amang our selves 1596 Calderwood V. 392.
Under pretexte of old inimiteis and picks betuixt the two nighbour realmes 1609 Skene Reg. Maj. ii. 131.
It is treason to moue any pick, grudge or querrell(b) 1681 Lauder Notices Affairs I. 304.
Retarding the king's service on his oune private peiks
2. A feeling of resentment or ill-will, freq. because of some real or imagined slight.1585 Waus Corr. 325.
For he hais ane pyk at me for ane pece of the land of Vig … and hais maid vrang report of me 1686 Reg. Privy C. 3 Ser. XIII. 5.
The defender … is not in the case of ane meniall servant to be turned out … upon peek 1691 Leven & Melv. P. 650.
From a double peike they have att my lord
