Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
Hide Quotations Hide Etymology
About this entry:
First published 1960 (SND Vol. V).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
‡KECKEN, n. A coward (Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.). Hence kicken-hearted, kighen-, faint-hearted, chicken-hearted (Sc. 1808 Jam.).
[Cf. Keck, v.1, Keck, v.2 and n.Eng. dial. kecken-hearted, squeamish, faint-hearted.]