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.
JANKER, n.1 Also janquer; jonker; junker (Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.); jinker (Sh. 1914 Angus Gl.). A kind of carriage consisting of a long stout pole set at right-angles on the axle of a pair of wheels (occas. with another pair in front as a support) and used for the transport of large logs or casks, long rails, etc., slung underneath the pole (Lth. 1825 Jam.). Gen.Sc. [′dʒɑŋkər]Edb. 1819 Edb. Ev. Courant (8 May) 1:
Welsh Slates, with a Large Janquer.Sc. 1832 Trans. Highl. Soc. 392:
Janker or Carriage, adapted to the easy loading and conveyance of timber.Edb. 1879 Justiciary Reports (1883) 284:
The janker cart, which is about 19 feet long, nearly double the size and weight of an ordinary lorry.Arg. 1910 N. Munro Fancy Farm xix.:
Who had not previously been charioteer for anything more glorious than a timber-jonker.Sc. 1953 Scots Mag. (March) 480:
In woodland districts, especially in the north, the janker was an impressive vehicle when heavily laden with a log of massive girth.
