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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.

KEEKUM, n. A mischievous little child (Abd. 1959), prob. orig. shortened from phr. Auld Keekum, a name for the devil.Bwk. 1880 T. Watts Woodland Echoes 49:
But Rab let play his cutty whuttle — A time-tried, honest piece o' metal — It slippit yont auld Keekum's thrapple.

[Keek, n.2, + -Um. Cf. Nickum.]

16216

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