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.
CLICKSIE, Kliksi(e), n. “An eagle” (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl., clicksie).Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928):
Commonly used in former times in the following magic formula . . . recited to get an eagle to let go its prey: Kliksi, kliksi! fire i' dy tail! water i' dy nest! tar-barrel abune dee!
Comb.: kliksie erne, “white-tailed eagle” (Sh. 1932 J. M. E. Saxby Sh. Trad. Lore 197), Haliaëtus albicilla.
[Perhaps from Sh. klick (see Cleek, v.1), to seize, snatch (from the manner in which the eagle seizes its prey), + suff. -sie. Torp, however, points to a prob. connection with Norw. klikka, Sw. dial. klikki, to screech (of eagles).]
