Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1956 (SND Vol. IV). Includes material from the 1976 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
FERK, v. Also firk and ferkie (-y); erron. fertye (Ork. 1973 Orcadian (8 July)). [′fɛrk(i)]
1. intr. To jerk, hitch about (Ork. 1887 Jam., ferk, firk; 1929 Marw., ferky); to strive, struggle, act energetically: tr. to poke, turn over, rummage, investigate (Sc. 1911 S.D.D.). Also in Eng. dial.Ork. 1880 Dennison Sketch-Bk. 28:
He lay an' ferkied wi' hid a peerie while i' the kirk-yaird, till he wus i' a drouck o' swaet.Ork. 1904 Dennison Sketches 6:
Whin de whall wad ferkie an' wallop wi' his tail, de folk wad flee.Abd.27 1950:
I've jist been firkin things oot a bit.
Hence †ferky, firky, “pushing, plodding, hard-working; resolute, determined” (w.Sc. 1887 Jam.).
†2. To pilfer (Sc. 1825 Jam.): used of birds with fruit or seeds (Fif. c.1850 R. Peattie MS.). Obs. in Eng. c.1710.
[Mid.Eng. ferk, to carry, go, O.E. fercian, to proceed.]
