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.
CLINKER, n. [′klɪŋkər]
1. A coin. Gen. in pl. = money (Ags.1 1937). Cf. Clink, n.1, 1.Mearns 1819 J. Burness Plays, Poems, etc. 315:
Their keepers [sic] purses turnin' less For want o' clinkers.Ags. 1815 W. Gardiner Poems and Songs 21:
Let the miser count his clinkers.
2. In pl.: “broken pieces of rock” (Upper Lnk. 1825 Jam.2). Known to Cai.7, Kcb.11937.
[Imitative.]