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.
DOCKIE, Docky, adj. and v. Also †doaky.
1. adj.
(1) Of a horse: docked, having the tail cut short. Fig. in phr. to be on dockie, see Dock, v. 2 (3).
(2) Neat, tidy, “applied to one who is little and neat, and who takes short steps” (Sc. 1825 Jam.2; Ayr.4 1928).Ayr. 1847 J. Fulton St Innan's Day 4:
And a' made snod and docky.Dmf. 1902 J. M. Coltart Verses 58:
A douce docky body is Miss Mattie Brown, In a docky wee house she lives in this town.
†2. v. “To move with short steps; always applied to one of small stature” (Lnk. 1825 Jam.2, docky, doaky).
[From Dock, v., 2.]
