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.
CRICKLET, CRICKLING, n. “The smallest of a litter, the weakest bird of the nest” (Ayr. 1825 Jam.2). Also fig. Not known to our correspondents.Ayr. 1833 J. Kennedy Geordie Chalmers 296:
“All my scholars are fled.” “No! No a crickling left?” “Not a rotten egg, sir. Not so much as a particle of down.”Ayr. 1912 G. Cunningham Verse 28:
See, Sannie! it [kitten]'s sinkin'; O, don't let it droon, It's the cricklet, the wee ane; O heeste ye, rin doon.
