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.
JICK, v., n. [dʒɪk]
I. v. 1. To avoid by a sudden jerk of the body (Slk. 1825 Jam.; Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.; Lnk. 1959).
2. To elude, dodge, evade (Twd., Bwk., Upp.Lnk. 1825 Jam.; Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.; Lnk. 1959). Hence phr. to jick the school, to play truant (Upp.Lnk. 1825 Jam.).
3. To tug, pull smartly, jerk.m.Sc. 1950 O. Douglas Farewell to Priorsford 92:
I think ma'sel that there's something wrang wi' the trigger: I've jickit it twice, and naething's happened.
II. n. 1. A sudden jerk (Slk. 1825 Jam.; Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.). Adj. jicky, of a horse: apt to startle (Id.).
2. The act of eluding (Slk. 1825 Jam.). Phr. to play the jick, to play truant (Edb.1 1930; Lnk., Rxb. 1959).
[Prob. mainly imit. of a quick sideways movement; cf. also Jink, v., n.1 and Jouk.]
