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.
CREEK, n. Break of day, dawn. Also in phr. creek o(f) day, id. (Sc. 1710 T. Ruddiman (ed.) Douglas Aeneis, Gl., Bnff.2, Ags.2 1940). Obs. in Eng. since 16th cent. (N.E.D.). Cf. Sc. skreak o' day and Greek.Sc. 1728 Ramsay Poems II. 205:
. . . soon as the Morning Creek Has usher'd in the Day.Abd. 1768 A. Ross Helenore 46:
They ilka night were under lock an' key; An' ilka morning by the creek o' day They're sett to wark, an' snaply ca'd away.
