Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1952 (SND Vol. III). Includes material from the 1976 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
CLEEKIE, Cleiky, Clicky, adj.
†1. “Quick at catching” (Gall. 1824 MacTaggart Gallov. Encycl. 137, clicky).
2. Cunning, “ready to take the advantage” (Sc. 1808 Jam., cleiky; Mry.11925).Sc. after 1746 Cumberland and Murray's Descent into Hell in Jacobite Minstrelsy (1829) 288:
Ken ye whar cleekie Murray's gane?
3. Of the toes: turned inwards in walking (Fif. 1958).
[From Cleek, v.1, q.v.]