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.
JICKER, v., n. Also jikker.
I. v. 1. To go quickly about anything, to walk along smartly (Gall., Dmf. 1825 Jam.; Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.).Kcb. 1789 D. Davidson Seasons 39:
In sweat and fun how they did jicker.
2. To trot, ride or run smartly, “as in or with a springy conveyance” (Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.; m.Lth. 1948).s.Sc. 1897 E. Hamilton Outlaws xi.:
Yon strae-headit cuttie comes jickering up to Whithaugh Tower on the curple o' Sim's saddle.
3. With aboot: to flit idly from place to place (Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.).Rxb. 1925 E. C. Smith Mang Howes 7:
An a wutchy-butterflei was makin the maist o its grand bat, jikkerin aboot theh flooer ti flooer.
Hence fig. in ppl.adj. jickering, “having a gaudy but tawdry appearance” (Gall. 1825 Jam.).
4. To dandle a child on the knee (Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.).
II. n. 1. A walk at a smart pace, a smart trot in or with a springy conveyance (Ib.).
2. The dandling of a child on the knee (Ib.).
[Freq. form of Jick.]
