Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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About this entry:
First published 1941 (SND Vol. II).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1801, 1874
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BROCK, n.3 and v.2
1. n.
(1) "An unskilful workman; one who spoils what he attempts to do; as, 'He's a mere brock wee's wark'" (Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 16).
(2) "Work ill done" (Ib.).
2. v.
(1) "To do any piece of work in an unskilful manner; as, 'Baith the masons an' vrights hae brockit the new hoose'" (Ib.); "to spoil" (Bnff. c.1927 G. T. Milne W.-L.).Edb. 1801 J. Thomson Poems 11:
For, wad ye think yoursells within, To brock the crap it is a sin; Then be at pains to gather't in.
(2) "To waste cloth in cutting out" (Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 16).ne.Sc. 1874 W. Gregor Echo of Olden Time iv.:
The goodwife produced her webs, and gave her orders with many an injunction not to . . . "brock the claith."
