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.
†CLINKUM, Clinkam, Clinkem, n. Also clinkim (Abd. 1832 W. Scott Poems 53). A bellman, a town-crier; also as comb. clinkumbell (Ayr. 1786 Burns Holy Fair xxvi.). The bellman's duties often included those of grave-digger as well (see last quot.).wm.Sc. 1835–37 Laird of Logan II. 270:
Clinkum [the bellman] boldly replied, “no' sir . . . but your folk wi' wee tongues that gang like a miller's clapper are aye crackit.”Lnk. a.1779 D. Graham Writings (1883) II. 40:
I'se gar clinkem Bell misure the grave and mak it.Ayr. 1790 J. Fisher Poems 140:
But nae sooner they say Amen, But clinkam aft without, again, Cries, oyes, Sirs, gie ear to me, I warn ye there's a roup to be.Dmf. 1817 W. Caesar Poems 117:
The flower o' Tinwald ta'en away, And happit up amang the clay Wi' clinkum's han'.
