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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.

GUDDICK, n. Also guddik, -ock, -ack; godek (Jak.), goadi(c)k; güdic (Sh. 1886 Chambers's Jnl. (23 Oct.) 688). A riddle, conundrum (Sh. 1825 Jam., 1914 Angus Gl., Sh. 1955). Freq. in phr. to lay up guddicks, to ask riddles. [′gʌdək, ′go:d-]Sh. 1886 G. Temple Britta 162:
The whole party was engaged at a pastime which was one of the time-honoured amusements of the Yule season — the giving and answering of “guddocks,” or conundrums.
Sh. 1898 J. Burgess Tang 30:
I went ta da kirk reglar wance upun a time too; bit da aald body 'at wis afore you . . . wis for ever grapplin wi texts 'at wis da same as guddicks.
Sh. 1931 Sh. Almanac Companion 189:
We span da kettle brod an' da laek o' dat, an' Patie Jeemson, . . . laid up guddicks 'at held wis a' burstin' wi' lauchin'.

[Dan. gaade, O.N. gáta, a riddle + common Sh. n. suff. [-ək].]

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