Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1934 (SND Vol. I).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
BEAK, n. Impudence. [bik]central, w.Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B. 51:
Nane o' eer beak!
Phrase: ti set up yin's beak, to speak impudently (c[entral], s[outh]Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B. 51).
[From Eng. beak, bird's bill.]