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.
¶DENRICK, n. “A narrow board, moving on hinges at the upper part of a fireplace, to be used as occasion may require to contract a chimney and so prevent its smoking” (Abd. 1870 in N. and Q. (4th Series) VI. 261).Ib. 156:
An evasive answer is frequently given to an over-inquisitive person by saying, “Na, but ye wad spier frae the door to the denrick.”
