Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1965 (SND Vol. VI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
LOCKERBIE, prop. n. Also Lockerby. The name of a town in Dumfriesshire; in combs. Lockerbie lick, — wipe, a gash or wound in the face (see quots.). Hist. [′lɔkərbi]Dmf. 1795 Stat. Acc.1 IX. 425:
A great number … hurt on the face during the fight. Hence the common saying, “A Lockerbie lick”.Sc. 1811 Farmer's Mag. (June) 157:
It was the above Sir George Maxwell who got what was called a Lockerby wipe, viz. one side of his face laid flat on his shoulder, in an engagement with the Johnstones of this place.Dmf. 1828 Scott Tales Grandfather xxxvii.:
The Maxwells and the confederated barons suffered grievously in the retreat [from the battle of Dryfe Sands, 1593] — many were overtaken in the streets of Lockerby, and cut down or slashed in the face by the pursuers; a kind of blow, which to this day is called in that country a “Lockerby lick.”
