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.
KLAK, n. Also klack, klakk.
1. Rocky fishing-ground near the shore (Sh. 1825 Jam., 1899 J. Spence Folk-Lore 130, 1908 Jak. (1928); Ork. 1929 Marw.; Sh. 1960).Sh. 1947 Sh. Folk Bk. I. 60:
The weather was perfect. There was a light breeze, and they soon reached their klak and set their lines.
Hence (1) klakaskurr, klakk(a)skor (Jak.), a particular spot in an inshore fishing-ground where fish are to be found; (2) klak fishing, handline or inshore fishing (Sh. 1899 J. Spence Folk-Lore 194).Ib. 130:
The fishing grounds . . . were marked by cross meiths, so as to find the exact spot. These were called klakaskurrs, and sometimes seats, and were named chiefly from their landmarks.
2. A boulder, a rugged, stony piece of ground (Sh. 1914 Angus Gl., Sh. 1960).
[Norw. klak(k), a small heap, a (sand)bank in the sea, Icel. klakkr, an upstanding rock.]
