Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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About this entry:
First published 1934 (SND Vol. I).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1908-1934
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BERK, n. and v. See Bark, n.1 [bɛrk]
1. n.
(1) “Skin on the surface of a liquid, esp. on boiled milk, also on sowans and porridge” (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928)).
(2) “A covering of clouds in the sky” (Ib.).
2. v. Of clouds: to gather; of the sky: to be overcast.Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928):
De sky is berket ower.Sh.4 1934
ppl.adj. berket, “having a crust on the top, as stale oil, milk, etc.; covered all over with clouds, as the sky” (Sh. 1914 Angus Gl.).
[O.N. börkr, dat. berki, bark of trees.]
