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.
CROCK, CROAK, n.2 Specific Sc. usages and forms of Eng. crock. [krɔk, krok]
1. A large earthenware vessel for holding milk, cream, salt, butter, etc. (L.Bnff. 1926 (per Bnff.4), croak; Ayr.4 1928; Uls.2 1929). Known to Bnff.2, Ags.17, Fif.10, Fif.13 (for Clc.), Slg.3, Arg.1, Lnk.11 and Kcb. correspondents 1941. Used also in Eng. and Ir. dial. (E.D.D.).Sc. 1933 E. S. Haldane Scotland of our Fathers 169:
The young lads had been sent off with . . . a “crook” [sic] of butter, a mutton ham, kippered salmon and other provisions.Lnk. 1926 W. Queen We're a' Coortin 51:
I'll bate . . . that ye've aither trampit on the kittlin' or knockit up against that crock o' soor milk.
Comb.: crock-pigs, “large vessels of earthen ware for holding butter” (Gall. 1824 MacTaggart Gallov. Encycl. 146).
†2. An earthenware hot-water bottle.Sc. 1874 A. Hislop Sc. Anecdotes 95:
Would you like a het crock in your bed this cauld nicht, mem?
