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.
HECK, n.2, v.2 Also hek(k). Cf. Heckle, v.2, n.4
I. n. 1. A crutch (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl., Sh. 1956).Sh. 1898 Shetland News (26 March):
Encumbered with a withered leg . . . our notable friend substituted for his recalcitrant, good-for-nothing crural appendage, a wooden “heck.”Sh. 1916 J. Burgess Rasmie's Smaa Murr (Jooly) 4:
A man wi a hekk can be king o da cripples.Sh. 1954 New Shetlander No. 40. 15:
It wisna lang till I wis hirplin roond on da hecks.
Hence derivs. heckie, he(c)kster, a cripple (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl., 1914 Angus Gl.).
2. The pin or foot-rest of a Tusker or peat-spade (Ork.5 1956).
II. v. To walk with a limp or with the help of a crutch; to walk jerkily, to hop on one leg (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl., 1914 Angus Gl.; Ork. 1956); “to trail along as if unable to walk properly” (Ork. 1929 Marw.); to walk slowly or feebly with a stoop.
[O.N., Icel. hækja, a crutch.]
