Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
Hide Quotations Hide Etymology
About this entry:
First published 1956 (SND Vol. IV). Includes material from the 2005 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
FROCK, n.2 Also froak, froke (Sh.). Sc. forms and usages:
Sc. forms: Slg. 1991 Janet Paisley in Tom Hubbard The New Makars 128:
Jist a groan fae ma Dad whin he sees ma new mini.
An oor Sharleen pinchin ma froaks
though she kens fine she's far too skinny fur them.m.Sc. 1997 Tom Watson Dark Whistle 61:
"Yeah, peace ah can dae," says rid froack
" - but, strictly, only efter action."
So blue suit gave
Rid dress a wee press,
Then they baith jist
Crumpilt in the coarner.
Sc. usages:
1. A sailor's or fisherman's knitted jersey, a guernsey (Sc. 1825 Jam.; Ork., Abd. 1953). Sometimes called guernsey (ganzie) frock (Ib.). Also in Eng. dial.Abd. 1811 W. Thom Hist. Abd. II. vi.:
Besides stockings, they make frocks, mitts, and all sorts of hosiery.Abd. 1881 J. W. Ritchie Geordie Tough's Squeel (1931) 4:
The canny w'y he eest tae sit In Guernsey frock an' carpet sheen.Sh. 1897 Shetland News (28 Aug.):
Wi' a hap o' Sibbie's an' my muckle blue froke inunder her head an' shooders.Sh. 1922 J. Inkster Mansie's Röd 97:
He rubbid da froad o' da mylk aff o' his matash, wi' da sleeve o' his froak.
2. In mod. usage in fishing areas: an oilskin short coat or cape (Sh., Cai., Fif. 1953).
