Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1952 (SND Vol. III).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
CLEIKUM, n. In comb. Cleikum Ceremony, — Celebrations (see quots.). Hist. Cf. the Cleikum Club in Scott's St Ronan's Well, which met in the Cleikum Inn, so called from the sign-post showing the Saint catching the Devil.Peb. 1937 in Scotsman (19 July):
The celebrations in connection with the 110th anniversary of St Ronan's Border Games and Cleikum Ceremony were brought to a close at Innerleithen on Saturday evening when Norval Stewart, in his rôle as Patron Saint of the town, ascended a local hill and there cast the effigy of the De'il to the flames. In traditional fashion, St Ronan and his retinue of monks ascended Caerlee Hill and there amid scenes of great enthusiasm brought his duties to a close.Peb. 1939 F. Drake-Carnell It's an old Sc. Custom 86–87:
Here [at Innerleithen] the lover of customs will find a ceremony which is unique — the “Cleikum Celebrations.” . . . According to the ancient story, St Ronan met the evil one and “cleekit him” well and truly by the “hint leg” and vanquished him with the only weapon to hand, the Cleikum Crook, a replica of which is carried by the “Patron Saint” during the celebrations. A boy takes the part of the Patron Saint.
