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.
Quotation dates: 1768-1769, 1827-1828, 1879-1898, 1958
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INKLIN(G), n. Also hinklin (Cai. 1902 E.D.D.). Sc. usages:
1. A faint rumour, a trace, a hint, a slight indication or amount (Sh., Cai., Ags., m.Lth., Bwk., Ayr., Gall., Uls. 1958).Abd. p.1768 A. Ross Works (S.T.S.) 183:
But yet the lyth about his heart that lay By some sma inklings shaw'd itsell that day.Sc. 1827 Wilson Noctes Amb. (1863) I. 309:
The lily, whose leaves in the driest weather you'll never find without an inklin o' Heaven's dew.Mry. 1828 J. Ruddiman Tales 28:
Your advice comes an inklin too late at present.Edb. 1828 D. M. Moir Mansie Wauch (1839) xvii.:
The thing was absurd to suppose that we should know any inkling about the matter.Ayr. 1879 J. White Jottings 167:
A' these were wisely sent, John, Sure inklins o' decay.Sh.10 1958:
Muve da steen a inklin dis wye.
2. An inclination, a slight desire (I. and n.Sc. 1958). Also in Eng. dial., phs. due to some confusion with incline, but cf. sim. development of notion.Edb. 1828 D. M. Moir Mansie Wauch (1839) xx:
I never kenned he had o ny inkling for the seafaring line.Sh. 1898 Shetland News (15 Jan.):
Da moment 'at dem 'at's for makin' ill gets a inklin ta spaek.
