Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1956 (SND Vol. IV).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
‡GAIBLICK, n. Also giblick, gaiblek, †giblich. [′geblɪk, ′gɪb-]
1. An unfledged bird (Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B., g(a)iblick; ‡Rxb.4 1953), “especially of the smaller species” (Rxb. 1916 T.S.D.C. II.), an unfledged crow (Rxb. 1825 Jam., (raw) giblich). Also gaiblet (ne.Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.).Rxb. c.1885 W. Laidlaw Poetry & Prose (1901) 60:
A blackie's nest. It had four gaibleks — puir wee things!s.Sc. 1933 Edb. Ev. News (25 May):
This pair, whose nest was closely packed with “gaiblicks,” have made their home conspicuous among the shining foliage of the holly.
2. Fig. A nickname applied to a scholar at the Nest Academy, Jedburgh, a boarding-school under the headmastership of Dr Fyfe (c.1850–1910), viz. Fyfe's gaiblicks, The Nest gaiblicks (Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.).
[From *gaib = Gab, n.1, 2. (1), mouth (cf. Rxb. Gaible for gabble, above) + extended dim. suff. -lick, -leck, with reference to the comparative largeness of the mouth of very young birds. Cf. Gebbie, Gorbal.]
