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.
FRANK, adj. Sc. usages, now obs. in Eng.:
1. Willing, ready (Ags.19 1953); lavish, without restraint. Adv. frankly. Phr. frank to the road, willing or eager to travel, of a horse.Abd. 1768 A. Ross Helenore 40:
What fusion's in it, I shall frankly ware, As lang's I can, in seeking o' my dear.Sc. 1816 Scott Antiquary xl.:
“I'll trouble you for your spurs, my friend.” “You will scarce need them, sir. . . . He's very frank to the road.”Slk. 1825 Hogg Wars of Montrose III. 148:
They're sae frank at takin the lives o' others it's weel done when they snap ane anither's at orra times.Cai. 1902 J. Horne Canny Countryside 229:
I'm frank till admit 'at.
2. Of manner: gushing, effusive.Gall. 1796 J. Lauderdale Poems 18:
Ye [his dog] wi' yer tail are like to fank, An' ding me doun; But hark! my spouse is no sae frank, Wi' doncie John.m.Sc. 1926 “O. Douglas” Proper Place xx.:
English people mean by “frank” honest and open; here “frank” means free: a “frank” manner is a forthcoming, gushing manner.
