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.
ISK, int. Also iskie, -k(e)y, and reduplic. forms isk-isk, iskis(s) (Gall. 1824 MacTaggart Gallov. Encycl. 281; Abd. 1958). A coaxing call to a dog (Sc. 1808 Jam.; Abd., Fif. 1958, iskie). Also in n.Eng. dial.Sc. 1728 Ramsay Poems (S.T.S.) II. 19:
I cry'd, Isk-isk, — poor Ringwood, — sairy Man; He wag'd his Tail, cour'd near, and lick'd my Hand.Ags. 1887 A. D. Willock Rosetty Ends 136:
“Puir doggie!” “Doon, sir!” “Fine fellow!” “Iskey, iskey,” an' a'ither blandishments that mak' dogs friendly.Per. 1902 E.D.D.:
“Iskis” was called to a dog by an old woman who placed a dish for him to lick.Fif. 1916 G. Blaik Rustic Rhymes 167:
Ca'in' on a dog was isky.
