Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1960 (SND Vol. V).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
HAWKIN AND SWAPPIN, adj.phr. Also, by assimilation to hawk, — swaukin (Lth.).
1. Struggling against financial difficulties by borrowing from one to pay another (Lth., Rxb. 1825 Jam.); 2. irresolute, hesitating, wavering (Lth. 1825 Jam.); 3. in an indifferent state, neither one thing nor the other (Sc. 1787 J. Elphinstone Propriety II. 199, — swauking), specif. of health (Lth. 1825 Jam.).
[Eng. hawk, to peddle, + swap, to barter, exchange.]
