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.
‡GOR-COCK, n.comb. The moor-cock or male of the red grouse, Lagopus scoticus (ne.Sc. 1903 G. Sim Fauna of “Dee” 162, Ags.18 1955). Mostly poet. Also in n.Eng. dial. from early 17th c.Ayr. 1796 Burns My Lord a-hunting iii.:
Out o'er yon muir, out o'er yon moss, Whare gor-cocks thro' the heather pass.Sc. 1813 Scott Triermain iii. vi.:
'Mongst desert hills, where, leagues around, Dwelt but the gor-cock and the deer.Slk. 1813 Hogg Queen's Wake 77:
Afore we wan to the sandy ford, The gor-cockis nichering flew.Per. 1835 R. Nicoll Poems 149:
I hied me to the heather hills, Whar' gorcocks crawin' flee.Ags. 1873 D. M. Ogilvy Poems 123:
By us the red deer in the bracken slumbers, The gorcocks crow.Dmf. 1874 R. Reid Moorland Rhymes 238:
The hinmaist whaup has quat his eerie skirl, The flichtering gorcock tae his cover flown.Edb. 1887 Mod. Sc. Poets (Edwards) X. 384:
The gorcock trims his plumage fair. The mavis sings his song o' love.
