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.
DOOK, n.3 Mining: an inclined roadway; “a mine or roadway driven to the dip, usually the main road going to the dip” (Sc. 1886 J. Barrowman Sc. Mining Terms 24; Fif. 1949 (per Mearns6)). Also attrib. with brae.em.Sc. 1920 J. Black Airtin' Hame 130:
At a part underground there was a “dook” which had to be kept clear of water by means of a pump.Slg. 1930 Session Cases 937:
The bogie was clipped to the cable at the bottom of the dook.Hdg. 1887 P. M'Neill Blawearie 38:
In this manner the trio speedily steered clear of the flooded workings and up the dook brae they went.Lnk. 1885 F. Gordon Pyotshaw xxxvi.:
I heerd a queer chappin' sound no hauf-an-hour ago doon the dook.Ayr. 1948 Scotsman (10 Jan.):
A solid wall of water burst through an old disused mine working and flooded the “dook.”
Hence dook workings, “workings below the level of the pit-bottom” (Sc. 1886 J. Barrowman Sc. Mining Terms 24).
[From Dook, v.1, n.1, to duck, stoop.]
