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.
EESK, ESK, v., n. See also Ask, v.1, and Ask, n.1, id. Also isk, ist (Jak.).
1. v.
(1) To rain slightly, drizzle (Ork. 1845 R. Scarth in Stat. Acc.2 XV. 96, 1866 Edm. Gl., esk; ‡Sh.10 1948; Ork.5 1949); “to begin to rain or snow” (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928)); to sleet.Sh.4 1932:
He's eeskin it oot o' im — it is threatening to rain.Ork. 1929 Marw.:
It's eeskan a bit already, it'll be heavier soon.
(2) To leak (Ib.).
(3) To make a squeaking noise — e.g. of a mouse, new boots, etc. (Ib.).
2. n. A slight rain or drizzle (Sh.10, Ork.2, Ork.5 1949).
[Etym. obscure. Sense (3) of v. may be a different word of onomat. origin.]
