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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1960 (SND Vol. V).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

KECK, int., v.3

I. int. The sound made by a hen when it has laid an egg, cluck! (Wgt. 1959).Sc. c.1760 Mem. W. Smellie (Kerr 1811) I. 178:
Keck, keck, keck, quoth the hen, and dropt a lusty egg.

II. v. To make this sound, to cackle, cluck. Also fig. to utter a short sharp laugh, to chuckle (ne.Sc. 1959).wm.Sc. 1934 K. R. Archer Jock Tamson's Bairns 45:
Hear the keckin' grouse's ca'.

[O.Sc. keck, the sound made by a jackdaw, 1540. Imit. Cf. Keckle.]

16193

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