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.
HOSSACK, n. Also hosek (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928)); hossik (Sh. 1914 Angus Gl.). A knot tied in a stranded or broken fishing line in order to strengthen it at the join or mend (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl., Sh. 1957).
[Orig. obscure.]